The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India that was built between 1632-1653 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took over 20,000 workers and cost an estimated 52.8 million Indian rupees to construct. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, known for its symmetrical layout and use of white marble, semi-precious stones, and floral motifs throughout. It attracts millions of visitors each year and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1. The Taj Mahal
One of the classic Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal has stood at Agra since 1653. It took 21 years to
reach completion at a cost of 52.8 million Indian Rupees (2015 figures). 20,000 artisans worked on what is
probably the greatest achievement of Mughal architecture. The site attracts around 3 million tourists per
year, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Any visit to the subcontinent would not be
complete with seeing this amazing building.
Construction was commissioned in 1631 by then Mughal emperor Shah Jahan after the loss of his favourite-
of-three wives Mumtaz Mahal died giving birth to their 14th child. Inspiration for its design comes from
traditional Persian and early Mughal architecture. To further the grandeur Shah Jahan ordered the use of
white marble, invalid with semi-precious stones as opposed to the red sandstone usually incorporated in
early Mughal structures.
The Tomb
The site comprises of the tomb, gardens, and outlying buildings. The tomb is the main attraction; a large,
symmetrical, dome topped white marble structure. It is the image most people know when they think of the
Taj Mahal. Everything about the structure draws the eye in, being perfectly symmetrical. The most famous
feature is the dome, about as high as the base of the tomb is wide. The interior is decorated by a beautiful
lotus motif that further draws the eye upward, emphasising it’s height. On the outside the tomb is flanked by
four smaller domes, and further out, four minarets which serve to accentuate its size and, once again, the
symmetry of the structure. The lotus design is echoed in the minarets, a small bit of flare tying the whole
tomb together.
The exterior is also finely decorated, changing proportionally as you move your gaze around the structure.
Paint, stucco, inlays and carvings all depict calligraphy, vegetative motifs, abstract forms, and passages of the
Qur’an. The adherence to Muslim traditions is finalised by the crescent moon that sits atop the central dome,
pointing skyward. There is no one wall that stands out as each moves into the next, holding and striking awe
into the viewer.
The interior decoration further shows off the wealth of Shah Jahan, and the empire at the time with the use
of precious and semiprecious gemstones. The vines, and floral motifs used in the exterior are carried on here
as well. The caskets are the only asymmetric elements in the whole site, with Shah Jahan’s being bigger than
Mumtaz’s. Once again elaborate calligraphy and gemstone inlays decorate both caskets, and plinths.
The Garden
The grounds are around 300 square metres large. Raised pathways divide the area into four quarters, each
divided into 16 flowerbeds. In the centre lies a raised reflecting pool, made of marble designed to reflect the
tomb. Avenues lined with trees and fountains symbolise the four flowing rivers of Paradise, inspired by the
Persian design. Breaking with Mughal tradition once again the main element, the tomb, sits at the end of the
garden. This is different to usual Mughal gardens where the tomb, or a pavilion sits in the centre. When the
British Empire took control of most of India, they also took control of the Taj Mahal. The adjusted landscape
now resembles the formal grass lawns seen in London.
Outlying buildings
Bordering the complex are three red sandstone walls. The river side sits open. Other mausoleums for Shah
Jahan’s other wives, and Mumtaz’s favoured servants sit outside the walls. The gateway is as impressive an
entrance as any. It is also mainly built of marble, with many elements echoing the main tomb and other
buildings in the complex.
On either side of the main tomb sit two buildings, mirroring each other. The western structure serves as a
mosque, while the east is thought to be built to maintain the symmetry and used as a guesthouse.
Historical Brief

2. Once the building was completed Shah Jahan enjoyed a short period of rule before his son Aurangzeb
deposed him, and placed him in Agra Fort. The complex suffered attacks and changes of hand over the years.
In the 18th century Jat invaded Agra and looted many artefacts of gold and silver. During the 19th century
the buildings fell into disrepair, and were particularly damaged during the rebellion of 1857. British soldiers
and officials chiselled out precious stones and defaced the walls. As the century drew to a close viceroy Lord
Curzon began a restoration project that ended in 1908.
In more modern times scaffolding was put up around the building to disguise it from enemy bombers. This
tactic was used during World War 2 and the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971. Not only has military
activity threatened the complex, but environmental pollution has created damaging acid rain, and started
turning the marble yellow. A protective zone has been set up around the complex, but ground water levels
are also falling leading to fears about the tomb’s stability.
A place to visit
Today the Taj Mahal is a major tourist attraction. Foreigners pay significantly more than Indian citizens. An
entrance ticket will cost around $11 USD. Children under 15 get in free. October, November and February are
the nicest and most popular times of year to visit being much cooler than the rest of the year. The complex if
open Monday through Thursday 6 am till 7pm, and on Friday for prayer at the mosques between 12 and
2pm. A stunning attraction is night viewing two days before and after the full moon. Security is tight and only
transparent water bottles, small video cameras, still cameras, mobile phones and small purses are allowed
inside.
Dress modestly out of respect for Islamic traditions. Cover knees and shoulders. An early start, like most
tourist attractions, will mean beating the queues.
The most common base for your visit will be New Delhi, but you can also get to the Taj Mahal from Agra.
Taking a train from Agra is the easiest route to go by.
Author: Mughal Empire