Questions and Answers
Who commissioned the Taj Mahal?
In which year did the construction of the Taj Mahal begin?
What was the estimated cost of the Taj Mahal's construction in 2015?
How many artisans were employed in the construction of the Taj Mahal?
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Who was the court architect leading the design of the Taj Mahal?
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Study Notes
Overview of the Taj Mahal
- Located on the south bank of the Yamuna river in Agra, India.
- Renowned as an ivory-white marble mausoleum.
Historical Context
- Commissioned in 1632 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who reigned from 1628 to 1658.
- Built to house the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan's favorite wife.
Architectural Features
- The tomb is the centerpiece of a 17-hectare (42-acre) complex.
- The complex includes a mosque, a guest house, and is surrounded by formal gardens.
- Bounded on three sides by a crenellated wall for aesthetic and protective purposes.
Construction Timeline and Cost
- Mausoleum construction was essentially completed in 1643, but other phases continued until 1653.
- Whole complex completed at an estimated cost of 32 million rupees in the 17th century.
- Translation of this cost to modern values is approximately 52.8 billion rupees (about U.S. $827 million in 2015).
Labor and Design
- Approximately 20,000 artisans were employed during the construction.
- Led by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the court architect to the emperor, ensuring quality and design consistency.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the Taj Mahal, its history, and architectural significance. From the commission by Shah Jahan to the details of its construction, this quiz covers the key aspects of this iconic mausoleum. Explore the beauty and cultural importance of this world heritage site.
