Taj Mahal Information
Architecture
of Taj Mahal
The city of Agra is world famous for the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal
emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife. However, it is also famous
for the Agra Fort, which is a veritable treasure trove of the Mughal architectural
tradition. The various buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent
the assimilation of different cultures, which was the mark of the Mughal
period.
Building
of Taj Mahal
Besides the miraculous architectural features and the elaborate ornamentation
of the Taj Mahal, many additional features, which can often be overlooked,
help complement and enhance this spectacular monument. Unlike other Mughal
tombs, the garden of the Taj Mahal has been laid out entirely in front of
the tomb and does not play any part in the 'background'. Instead, the background
has been provided by the sky.
Excursions
of Taj Mahal
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary: This magnificent bird haven in actual came into
being paradoxically as a duck shooting preserve for Maharaja Suraj Mull
of Bharatpur. He transformed the shallow depression formed by the confluence
of River Gambhir and River Banganga into a reservoir by damming the rainwater
in monsoons. Flooding of water created shallow wetland ecosystem causing
it to be a perfect habitat for an astounding variety of birds.
Garden
of Taj Mahal
The lush green garden expands from the main gateway to the plinth, over
which stands the tomb. The garden in essense is based on symmetry and geometrical
measurements. The Persian style garden has a close link with paradise, since
Quran describes paradise as a beautiful garden.
History
of Taj Mahal
The construction of this marble masterpiece is credited to the Mughal emperor
Shah Jahan who erected this mausoleum in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumarid
Bano Begum; popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal, who died in A.H. 1040 (A.D.
1630). Her last wish to her husband was "to build a tomb in her memory
such as the world had never seen before". Thus emperor Shah Jahan set
about building this fairy tale like marvel.
Location
of Taj Mahal
Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal and once the capital of the Mughal empire,
has several monuments which display the splendour of Mughal architecture.
It was here that Babar, the founder of the dynasty, had the first formal
Persian garden laid out on the banks of the river Yamuna. Akbar, his grandson,
raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort, within whose walls Jahangir
built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens, and which Shahajahan embellished
with marble mosques, palaces and pavilions of gem-inlaid white marble.
Mosque
of Taj Mahal
On either side of the Taj Mahal are buildings of red sandstone. The one
to the west is a Mosque. It faces towards Mecca and is used for prayer.
Before we have a look at the mosque, let us take note of a small stone enclosure
along the western boundary wall where the well of the Mosque is located.
Pictures
of Taj Mahal
Queen
of Taj Mahal - Mumtaz Mahal
The story of Taj Mahal is inseparable from the life of Mumtaz Mahal who
was the chief queen of Shahjahan. Prince Khurram, as Shahjahan was known
before he became the Mughal emperor, was a handsome twenty-year-old man,
when he was betrothed to Mumtaz.
Story
of Taj Mahal
The story of Taj Mahal reflects the intensity of love. The fairy tale began
when walking through the bazaar of Agra prince qhurram saw a girl. The girl
was exceptionally beautiful. It was a love at first sight for both of them.
After five years, on an auspicious day they were married and from that moment
began the great epic of love.
Tomb
of Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is situated more than 900 ft. (275 m.) away from the entrance
at the opposite end of the garden. Towering almost 200 ft. (76m.) in height,
the tomb stands on its own marble plinth, which rests on a red sandstone
platform that serves to level the land as it slopes to the river.
