Taj Mahal History and Architecture

Taj Mahal

Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

History

• Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631
• Construction began in 1632 and took around 22 years to complete, with thousands of workers and artisans involved
• Completed in 1653 at a cost of around 32 million rupees, which was a massive amount at that time

Architecture

• Combines Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles
• Made of white marble, with intricate inlays of precious stones, including jasper, jade, and turquoise
• Main mausoleum is surrounded by four smaller domes and four minarets
• Reflecting pools and gardens add to the beauty and symmetry of the complex

Features

• The Taj Mahal changes color depending on the time of day and the lighting conditions:
  • Pinkish hue in the morning
  • White in the afternoon
  • Golden in the evening
• The monument is surrounded by a high wall, with a main gate made of marble and a mosque and a guest house on either side
• The tomb of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal is located in the main chamber, with intricate calligraphy and ornate decorations

Tourism

• One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Attracts millions of visitors every year, with peak season from October to February
• Night viewing is allowed on select days, but requires special permits and tickets

Taj Mahal

Location

• Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

History

• Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631
• Construction began in 1632 and took around 22 years to complete
• Completed in 1653 at a cost of around 32 million rupees

Architecture

• Combines Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles
• Made of white marble, with intricate inlays of precious stones, including jasper, jade, and turquoise
• Main mausoleum is surrounded by four smaller domes and four minarets
• Reflecting pools and gardens add to the beauty and symmetry of the complex

Features

• Changes color depending on the time of day and lighting conditions
• Pinkish hue in the morning, white in the afternoon, and golden in the evening
• Tomb of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal is located in the main chamber, with intricate calligraphy and ornate decorations
• Surrounded by a high wall, with a main gate made of marble and a mosque and a guest house on either side

Tourism

• One of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Attracts millions of visitors every year, with peak season from October to February
• Night viewing is allowed on select days, but requires special permits and tickets

Explore the history and architectural significance of the Taj Mahal, a stunning monument built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife.