The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is one of the most iconic and breathtaking structures in the world. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it stands as a testament to their eternal love. Beyond its romantic significance, the Taj Mahal is also a remarkable architectural masterpiece. Let’s explore 10 Amazing facts about Taj Mahal.
1 – An Ode to Love
Love, not conquest or power, is the source of this architectural masterpiece. It was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, whose passing devastated him. This poetry written in white marble and found on the banks of the Yamuna says it all about how love overcomes everything.
2 – A Global Effort:
It wasn’t just the Taj Mahal on display. For 22 years, about 22,000 artists from Persia, India, and other places wove their magic. Their varied talents blended into a melodious symphony, ranging from calligraphers and stoneworkers to architects such as Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.
3 – Jewel Box of the World:
The Taj Mahal is made of more than just white marble. The glittering kaleidoscope of priceless stones is stunning. The monument is adorned with semi-precious jewels, including lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, turquoise from Persia, and jasper from Punjab. These gems create beautiful floral designs that shimmer in the sunlight.
4 – Chameleon of Colors
Get ready to be amazed at how the Taj Mahal may transform into a different attire! It changes from a blushing pink at sunrise to a pearly white in the midday sun, and then to a mysterious golden glow under the starry sky, depending on the time of day and the play of light.
5 – A Mirror Image Illusion
The Taj Mahal seems to float in front of you as you stand in the reflection pool. The monument’s ethereal beauty is enhanced by the subtle tilt of the minarets at each corner away from the plinth, which creates an optical illusion.
6 – Hidden Depths
You will discover not one, but TWO tombs if you go into the crypt beneath the white marble. The tombs themselves are below, protected from intruders, while the sarcophagi above are memorials.
7 – Verses in Stone
Look out for the beautiful calligraphy that adorns the Taj Mahal’s walls as you stroll around it. The black marble verses from the Quran lend a sense of spiritual calm to the space.
8. A Whisper of the Past:
Legend has it that Shah Jahan planned to build a black marble Taj Mahal on the opposite bank, mirroring the white one. However, his sons’ rebellion interrupted this dream, leaving the black Taj forever a figment of imagination.
9 – An Architectural Concer
The Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of harmony in design. The four minarets mirror one another and are positioned at exact angles. The entire complex is arranged in an exact octagonal shape, reflecting the Mughal obsession with geometric precision, and the central dome echoes the four smaller domes.
10 – Beyond the Marble:
The Taj Mahal’s enchantment transcends its aesthetic appeal. It is evidence of human inventiveness, love, and cross-cultural understanding. It makes us pause to consider the timeless value of architecture and art while whispering tales of a bygone period.
Thus, keep in mind that the Taj Mahal is more than just a monument the next time you see it. It is a narrative in progress, ready to be interpreted and enjoyed. Use these fascinating facts as a guide.
Frequently Ask Questions
What is the Taj Mahal and why is it famous?
The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Taj Mahal, a tomb complex in Agra, India, during the 17th century. It is renowned for both its romantic past—having been constructed as a memorial to Shah Jahan’s adored wife Mumtaz Mahal—and its magnificent architecture, which blends Islamic, Persian, and Indian forms.
When was the Taj Mahal built and how long did it take?
The Taj Mahal’s construction was finished in 1653, having started in 1632. The building of this monument, which employed nearly 20,000 laborers and 1,000 elephants, was finished in a total of 22 years.
What is the Taj Mahal made of and where did the materials come from?
White marble, which was brought from Rajasthan, India, is the primary material used to construct the Taj Mahal. 28 different kinds of precious and semi-precious stones, sourced from Tibet, China, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, are set into the marble.
Who are buried in the Taj Mahal and where are their tombs located?ated?
The tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are located beneath the main dome of the Taj Mahal, in an underground room. The public can access the upper chamber, which houses their mock tombs, known as cenotaphs. Mumtaz Mahal’s cenotaph is positioned slightly off-center to the west, and Shah Jahan’s cenotaph is positioned precisely above it to the east. The cenotaphs are oriented according to the cardinal directions.
How does the Taj Mahal change colors and what do they mean?
The Taj Mahal changes colors depending on the time of the day and the weather conditions. The marble reflects the sunlight and the moonlight, creating different hues and shades. Some of the common colors are pink in the morning, white in the afternoon, golden in the evening, and blue at night. The colors are said to symbolize the changing moods of Mumtaz Mahal, as well as the different phases of loves.