Gloriously
standing as a testimony of great love, Taj Mahal not only awes a person
with its normous size and immeasurable beauty but has an uncanny way of
awakening the sensation of 'Love at first sight' as soon as one crosses
the threshold of the main entrance of this pure white marble structure.
Shah Jahan built this beautiful edifice as a tribute to her late empress
Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 in Agra, India. Positioned on a plot of
land along the banks of the River Yamuna, it sprawls across more than
forty-two acres of land and people believe that Shah Jahan chose this
site because of it serene and peaceful environment and spectacular
views.
Thought the source of the name 'Taj Mahal' has to date remained
untraceable, yet, scholars believe that it originated from the
abbreviation of the empress' name, Mumtaz Mahal and means 'Crown
Palace'. Though it may not seem as worthy of attention separately but
all its feature taken together are enough to stun anybody such as the
expenses incurred about this edifice and large quantities of good
quality material used that ranges from marble to precious gemstones.
Though the first impression of the person may be that Taj Mahal is just
a central domed building but actually its true appreciation lies in the
fact that it represents unshakable desire and longing for the beloved -
a woman who proved herself worthy of such a devotion by her loyalty and
everlasting friendship to her lover and husband till her last breath and
assumed the superhuman quality with her great physical and inner beauty,
a woman of substance and strength.
How To ReachShah Jahan
The fairy tale of a prince and would-be-king and a commonplace girl selling souvenirs in a local market outside his palace, the love story of Shah Jahan and Taj Mahal was not less dream like.
Mumtaz Mahal
Prince Khurram, the later-day Shah Jehan, was the favorite and the eldest son of Emperor Jehangir and thus, was also the heir to his throne. It was in 1607, while he was still a teenager when he was dressed up royally in his prince-like ensemble and was liking very handsome,
Taj Mahal Myths
Many rumors have attached itself to this centuries-old building. The grounds behind these legends and myths are controversial and disputable. Nevertheless, Taj Mahal presents many riddles to the archeologists and thus, is of immense interest to the adventurers of history.
Taj Mahal Architecture
Twenty-two years, thirty-two million rupees and more than twenty thousand workers! All these were spent into construction of just one magnificent building - Taj Mahal. The final version of Taj was ultimately finished in 1648.
Actual Tomb
As far as 900 ft. away from the doorway, Taj Mahal stands cross the garden from the main gateway. More than 200 ft high, it is a majestic structure, sparkling in all its regal glory, the main tomb is built on a raised square platform with truncated corners.
The Guesthouse
Resembling to be twin structure to the Mosque, Naqqar Khana to the east of Taj is also often known as 'Jawab' (translated as 'answer'). It is made up of red sandstone. No convincing answer to the mystery of its presence can yet be found except that it was built to maintain the symmetry and harmony of the whole structure.
The Main Gateway
Across the gardens from the main tomb structure, there is a colossal main gateway to the south of Taj used as an entrance to this enternal tomb of love. This concept of isolated gateway was not new however as such isolated gateways were then a traditional,
Taj Mahal Mosque
On the west of the Taj Mahal lies the red sandstone Mosque, where Muslims collect every Friday to offer their prayers to Allah. As per the Islamic rules, the Mosque faces towards Mecca and is complimented by another red sandstone building
Taj Mahal Gardens
A green carpet of Persian garden stretches from the main gateway to the base of the Taj, on the style introduced to India by Babur who was the first Mughal emperor. The flowers and fruits, symmetry and delicacy,
Black Taj Mahal
Many people believe that corresponding to this sparkling white Taj, Shah Jehan had planned to build another Taj Mahal in black marble, which was to be his own tomb on the opposite bank of the River Yamuna and connect the two by a bridge.
Italian Taj Mahal
A few European scholars, especially Italians, have argued from time-to-time advocated that Taj Mahal was the work of an Italian, Geronimo Veroneo. They refer to the records of Father Manrique, who was an Augustinian Friar that states that he visited Agra in 1640.
The Vanishing Taj
Inspired by the magicians that made things disappear, P C Sorcar Jr came up with one of his most famous acts in which he made the beloved Taj Mahal (the seventh wonder of the world) disappear. This Indian magician successfully accomplished the feat as his audience stood tongue tied,
Third Set of Graves
Taj has seventeen basement chambers laid out in a line on the side of the and can be accessed using the two staircases on the northern side of the red sandstone pedestal of the Taj. The rooms and corridor made of brick and plaster and have been adorned with stucco and paintings.
