The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Completed in 1653, it is celebrated for its architectural beauty, symbolizing love and purity, and features a fusion of various styles while being a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983. The Taj Mahal is recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world and is a significant cultural icon of India.

1. Topic : Taj Mahal
Name : Debadrito Mondal
Class : V
School : South Point High School

2. Geographical Location of the heritage site
• The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river
Yamuna in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth
Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Construction of the mausoleum was completed in 1648, but work continued on other
phases of the project for another five years. The first ceremony held at the mausoleum
was an observance by Shah Jahan, on 6 February 1643, of the 12th anniversary of the
death of Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed
in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around ₹5 million, which in
2023 would be approximately 35 billion (US$77.8 million).
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3. Historical significance of the Monument
• A symbol of Love : The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah
Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. It's considered a
symbol of love, purity, and spirituality.
• A fusion of architectural styles : The Taj Mahal is a fusion of Persian, Turkish,
Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. It's considered an architectural feat and one of
the most beautiful buildings ever created.
• A UNESCO World Heritage Site : The Taj Mahal was designated a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1983. Its inclusion on the list has raised awareness about the
need for preservation and sustainable tourism.

4. Architectural details
• Symmetry : The Taj Mahal is a symmetrical structure with four minarets surrounding
the central building.
• White marble dome : The Taj Mahal's iconic dome is made of white marble and is
about 115 feet high. Its shape is similar to an onion or guava, and it's often considered
the most beautiful feature of the Taj Mahal.
• Minarets : The four minarets provide a sense of space and give the Taj Mahal a three-
dimensional effect.
• Optical illusion : The Taj Mahal was designed to create an optical illusion, making the
monument appear larger when you first enter the gate.

5. What made me chose this particular
monument/What makes it unique
• It is a masterpiece of architectural style in conception, treatment and execution
and has unique aesthetic qualities in balance, symmetry and harmonious
blending of various elements. Integrity is maintained in the intactness of tomb,
mosque, guest house, main gate and the whole Taj Mahal complex.
• It is considered the most beautiful building ever constructed. The Taj was built
by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his deceased wife, Mumtaz
Mahal. It is one of the seven wonders of the world and is the pride of not just
Agra but also of India.

6. Thank You