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Taj Mahal
  
Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and
some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never
been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the
Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white
marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description,
particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the
full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if
suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.
Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in
the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is
an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal
(meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen
Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it
later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the
Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at
their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that
new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was
Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the
throne in 1628.
Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing
twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32
Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master architect
was Ustad ‘Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time. The documents
contain names of those employed and the inventory of construction
materials and their origin. Expert craftsmen from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore,
and Multan were employed. In addition, many renowned Muslim craftsmen from
Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara worked on many specialized tasks.
The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four
corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design
uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on
its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the
principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural
elements.
Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of
213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four
graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The entire mausoleum
(inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and
calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main
archways, chiseled with passages from the Holy Qur’an and the bold scroll
work of flowery pattern, give a captivating charm to its beauty. The
central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and
panels of Islamic decoration.
The mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an
elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right),
and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of
this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The large garden contains
four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four
sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet
another four sections. Like the Taj, the garden elements serve like
Arabesque, standing on their own and also constituting the whole.
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