taj mahal

An Indian marvel in architectural excellence, the Taj Mahal is pointed out by Western historians as a beauty unsurpassed. Build by Mughal emperor hah Jahan in memory of his queen Mumtaz Mahal on the banks of the River Yamuna at Agra, the Taj has built entirely of white marble.

Describe as an elegy in marble, the Taj Mahal is mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later.

Constructed over a period of 22 years, employing 20000 workers, the Taj was completed in 1648 at a cost close to Rs 32 million. The historical record says that the master architect was Ustad Isa, who employed expert craftsmen from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, Mullan, Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara. The monument has been constructed on a raised square platform with shape of an octagon. The architect has deployed the principles of self-replicating geometry and symmeby of architectural elements, has been pointed out.

The taj mahal has on top a central dome of 58 feet in diameter and a height of 213 feet. Apart from this, four slender minarets of 162.5 feet each add to the beauty. The mausoleum has calligraphy and floral designs using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main archways boast of passages from Holy Quran. The mausoleum is part of vast complex.   Thousands visit the Taj  Mahal every year from across India and from abroad to have a glimpse of exquisite monument.