Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, erected the Taj Mahal in the 17th century as a memorial to Mumtaz Mahal, his third wife, who passed away while giving birth. In Urdu and Persian, the term "Taj Mahal" means "crown of palaces." The Taj Mahal's huge, white, domed tomb, which is encircled by four tall minarets on each corner, is its most distinctive feature.
With a distinctive assortment of Taj Mahal paintings, eCraftIndia makes it easier for you to appreciate the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, a symbol of enduring love. Additionally, buy showpieces online. White marble makes up the building's façade. Undoubtedly the most well-known example of Mughal construction is the Taj Mahal in Agra. It is regarded as a genuine "wonder of the universe," as Rabindranath Tagore put it: "a tear on the face of eternity."

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal History

Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who ruled from 1628 to 1658, commissioned the Taj Mahal in 1632 as a monument to Mumtaz Mahal, his favorite wife. In honor of his beloved wife, Empress Mumtaz Mahal, the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of marble. Arjumand Bano Begum (Mumtaz Mahal), a granddaughter of Itimad-Ud-Daulah and Wazir (Prime Minister) of Emperor Jahangir, was married to Shah Jahan in 1612 A.D.
While giving birth to her fourteenth child, Mumtaz Mahal passed away in 1631 A.D. The emperor, who was grieving greatly, put all of his effort into creating the mausoleum in her honor, which is regarded as one of the most exquisite works of art ever constructed. Iranian and Central Asian artisans were among those requisitioned from all throughout the empire. The interior structure was constructed with locally manufactured bricks. It was imported from Makrana, Rajasthan, to provide white marble for exterior surfaces.

It took 17 years to complete, according to an inscription on the northern front, which reads 1057 A.H. (1647 A.D.). The Taj Mahal's site plan was supposedly created by Ustad Isa Afandi, with Ustad Ahmad Lahori serving as the project's director. Ran Mal was a landscape designer from Kashmir, while Amanat Ali Khan Shirazi is renowned for his calligraphy work. Strict bilateral symmetry may be seen in the Taj Mahal's plan.

The assembly hall and mosque are on each side of the tomb's (rauza) four minarets, which serve as the structure's focal point (Mehman Khana) The Taj is precisely the same width as it is tall (55mtrs). The beautifully carved pietra dura with semi-precious stone inlay is a showpiece of the monument. In line with Shah Jahan's intention that the tomb and garden should symbolize paradise on earth, the hue of the translucent marble continuously shifted from daylight to midnight, lending it a wonderful air.

It is a singular example of human invention from the magnificent Mughal era and a marvel of the globe. Shah Jahan was interred at the Taj Mahal with his beloved wife after passing away in 1666 AD. Although subsequent project stages took approximately further 10 years to complete, the mausoleum's construction was substantially finished in 1643. The Taj Mahal structure is said to have been finished in its totality in 1653.

The monument had been constructed by 20,000 employees over a period of more than 20 years. Along with local specialists, Venetian and French architects from abroad were asked to take part in the development. A five-dome edifice with four minarets in the vertices and a platform that was 74 meters high was the result of joint efforts. Marble that has been polished and made semi-transparent has been carried to the location from a distance of 300 kilometers to face the walls.

In the blazing sun, it seems white; at dusk and at sunset, it appears pink; and at night, it appears silver. Additionally, turquoise, agate, malachite, carnelian, and other jewels that have been sent in from several nations, including Russia, have been used to embellish the walls.

Taj Mahal Location and structure

The Taj Mahal, one of the world's most well-known tourist attractions, is situated on the Yamuna River's southern bank in Agra, Uttar Pradesh State, 6 kilometers from Agra Cantonment Railway Station. In addition to being one of the seven contemporary global marvels, the Taj Mahal was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. There is a 300 square meter garden, often referred to as Charbagh or the Mughal Garden, within the Taj Mahal compound.

Red sandstone walls encircle the compound on three of its sides. Inscriptions from the Quran and the calligraphed phrase "O Soul, thou art at peace" may be seen on the Darwaza-i-Rauza, a large ornate gateway that serves as the complex's entrance. Make peace with the Lord when you return, and He will make peace with you. Outside the Taj Mahal complex, there are mausoleums for Shah Jahan's other wives as well as the grave of Mumtaz's favorite servant. A guest house and a mosque are located at the other side of the compound.
Two cenotaphs honoring Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are located in the main structure. The Greek term "cenotaph" literally translates to "empty grave." Actually, underneath is the sarcophagi where the couple is buried. Mosaics constructed of semi-precious stones in elaborate designs adorn the cenotaphs or the screens that surround them. Two red sandstone structures, a mosque and an assembly hall, are situated on each side of the Taj Mahal. A large reflecting pool and plants are also included on the property.

Dream of Black Taj Mahal

While the project was being built, Shah Jahan had the notion to erect a monument in his own honor on the opposite bank of the Jamuna River, which flows directly behind the tomb. His wife's tomb would be joined to it by an openwork bridge, and it would be constructed of black marble. This lovely fantasy was unfortunately not realized. It was forbidden to build more than four-story structures within a three-kilometer radius in order to keep an unobstructed view of the world's most beautiful tomb.

The dome of this magnificent structure glowed like a heavenly dwelling at the crack of dawn as the first sun rays touched its surface. It was covered in brilliant gold. Then, at sunset, while bathing in the majesty of the moon, it sparkles like a flawless diamond, seeming to have come right out of a fairy tale and mesmerizing the observers with its feeling of grandeur.

Taj Mahal- Wonder of the World

It is no wonder that it is proudly recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World since it is nothing short of an architectural masterpiece. When one learns the history behind this spectacular visual display, the deep beauty of it becomes visceral. The Taj Mahal's history The Taj Mahal is "a marvel of unfathomable beauty" and is described as "the ultimate of love." This amazing edifice is so beautiful that there aren't enough words to describe it.
The thoughts that come to mind when viewing the Taj Mahal of Agra are not only of its magnificent beauty, but also of the enormous love that inspired its building. Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor, had this monument built in honor of Mumtaz Mahal, his beloved bride whom he had fallen in love with at first sight. Ironically, visitors are charmed and permanently entranced at first sight by the Taj Mahal, which is the picture of love and passion.

FAQs- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why and by whom was the Taj Mahal built?
The famous Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Taj Mahal, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. His third wife Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away while giving birth to their 14th child, was remembered by having it erected. The main monument was finished in 1648, while the creation of the monument had begun in 1632. The surrounding structure and gardens, however, weren't constructed until later in 1653. In the Taj Mahal, next to his beloved Mumtaz, Shah Jahan was interred following his passing.

What makes the Taj Mahal one of the Seven Wonders of the World?
It is considered by many as the finest illustration of Muslim architecture and a representation of India's extensive past. The Taj Mahal draws more than 6 million tourists annually and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (2000-2007) initiative's winners in 2007.

How long did it take to build the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal construction began about 1632. By around 1638–1639, the tomb itself had been finished. The auxiliary structures were completed by 1643, and decorating work lasted at least until 1647. The 42-acre (17-hectare) complex's development took 22 years to complete.

What building served as inspiration for the Taj Mahal?
It is thought that Humayun's Tomb served as a major design and architectural inspiration for Taj Mahal. Akbar constructed the tomb of Humayun, which may be found in New Delhi, the nation's capital.

Why is Taj Mahal famous?
Due to its tremendous grandeur, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Thousands of people are drawn to the Taj Mahal every year because, in addition to its exquisite architecture, its building tale elevates the monument to a new level of romantic significance.

Conclusion
Shah Jahan, however, was unable to respond to the needs of his nation due to his protracted mourning and fixation with constructing the tomb. Because of this, he was deposed by his own son (the son of the woman he dedicated the tomb to), and he spent the remainder of his days in prison. According to mythology, it was some cruel joke that the Taj Mahal, the memorial to his loved one whose premature death caused his fate, was visible from his prison windows.

One of the nicest presents you can offer someone you like is the Taj Mahal monument, which is typically regarded as the best gift. Purchase stunning Taj Mahal for home decor and wall painting online. Not only is the Taj Mahal one of the most popular sights in India. This unique landmark must be experienced both visually and aurally. Everyone who sees this work of art is impacted by the love tale that has been skillfully preserved in stone.