The document summarizes the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1648 in Agra, India. It was constructed in memory of Shah Jahan's third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child. Over 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants were used to source materials and construct the white marble structure, which features intricate designs and is a top tourist destination today.

1. CLASS PRESENTATION
The Taj Mahal
By:- Kunal Singh
Lokendra Tomar

2. INTRODUCTION
“Crown of the Palace”
Situated on the south bank of the
yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra.
Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in
1632.
It is the finest example of Mughal
architecture.
“The Jewel of Muslim Art”

3. HISTORY
 Sahah Jahan was born in 1592.
At 14 he met a girl when he was
strolling down the Meena bazzar. The
girl was Mumtaz Mahal a Muslim
Persian princess
Married Mumtaz Mahal at age 21.
He came to power in 1622.

4. Mumtaz Mahal was his favorite wife .
In 1631, Mumtaz Mahal died while giving
birth to their 14th child.
Shah Jahan promised her that he will build
the richest mausoleum over her grave.
He ordered the court into mourning for two
years for her wife.
The construction of Taj Mahal started
in1632.

5. CONSTRUCTION
Shah Jahan presented Maharajah Jai Singh
with a large palace in the centre of Agra in
exchange for the land near Yamuna river.
1,000 elephants were used to transport
building materials.
Ustad Ahmad Lahauri- The lead architect
 Twenty-eight types of precious and semi-
precious stones were inlaid into the white
marble.

6.  The translucent white marble was brought
from Makrana, Rajasthan, the jasper
from Punjab, jade and crystal from China.
Involvement of 22,000 workers.
Creative unit of 37 men.
Calligraphers ,Inlayers,
Stonecutters .

7. Main Gateway
Garden
Mosque
Guest
House
TAJ MAHAL

8. INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
The calligraphy was created by a
calligrapher named Abdul- Haq, in 1609.
The exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal are
among the finest in Mughal architecture.
The decorative elements were created by
applying paint, stucco, stone inlays, or
carvings.

9. Floors and walkways use contrasting tiles or
blocks in tessellation patterns.
The inlay stones are of yellow marble, jasper
and jade, polished and leveled to the surface
of the walls.

10. The inner chamber is an octagon with the design
allowing for entry from each face, although only the
door facing the garden to the south is used.
In addition to the light from the balcony screens,
light enters through roof openings covered by chattris
at the corners.

11. Mumtaz Mahal's cenotaph is placed at the precise center of
the inner chamber on a rectangular marble base of 1.5
meters (4 ft 11 in) by 2.5 meters (8 ft 2 in).
The Ninety Nine Names of God are found as calligraphic
inscriptions on the sides of the actual tomb of Mumtaz
Mahal

12. The construction began around 1632 and was completed
around 1643 and the surrounding buildings and garden
were finished about five years later.
 Upon Shah Jahan's death, Aurangzeb buried him in the
mausoleum next to his wife.
A cost estimated at the time to be around 32 million rupees,
which is approximately 52.8 billion rupees today.

13. PRESENT…
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 1983.
It attracts 7–8 million visitors a year.
Winner of the New7Wonders of the World.

14. SOME INTERESTING FACTS…
The story of the arms of all artisans
being chopped is probably a myth.
The 4 minarets were built tilting
outwards .
The Taj changes colors depending on
the light.
The Taj Mahal is taller than Qutub
minar.

15. “Taj Mahal is not a piece of architecture, as
other buildings are, but the proud passion
of an emperor's love wrought in living
stones." -Sir Edwin Arnold