The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Construction began in 1632 AD and took nearly 20 years to complete. The extensive complex covers over 22 hectares and includes gardens, subsidiary buildings, and tombs. At the center of the complex is the white marble Taj Mahal mausoleum, which houses the cenotaphs and actual graves of Mumtaz and Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal is renowned for its intricate decorative elements and geometric symmetry, and remains one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Sikh Architecture is an amalgamation of religious architecture of the buildings of the faith and traditional Indo-Sarsenic style. It includes all the buildings serving the devotional, ritualistic and religious functions of the Sikh Community. We can spot any Sikh temple from distance by seeing a flag mast (Nishan Sahib) which is draped in yellow or blue with triangular flag with the Sikh insignia fluttering in the breeze. Its dome is different from domes of mosques or Hindu temples, so are its arches, balconies, columns, interiors and general layout.
Sikh Architecture is an amalgamation of religious architecture of the buildings of the faith and traditional Indo-Sarsenic style. It includes all the buildings serving the devotional, ritualistic and religious functions of the Sikh Community. We can spot any Sikh temple from distance by seeing a flag mast (Nishan Sahib) which is draped in yellow or blue with triangular flag with the Sikh insignia fluttering in the breeze. Its dome is different from domes of mosques or Hindu temples, so are its arches, balconies, columns, interiors and general layout.
TOMB OF SIKANDER LODHI | MAUSOLEUM OF SIKANDER LODImanoj chauhan
MAUSOLEUM OF SIKANDER LODI
The lodhi dynasty (or lodhi) was An afghan dynasty that ruled
The delhi sultanate from 1451 to 1526.
It was the last dynasty of The delhi sultanate and was founded by bahlul khan
Lodi when he replaced Dynasty.
Indo-Islamic architecture is the use of Hindu and Islamic elements in combination.
The trend begun when Hindu artisans were forced to create Islamic structures for the Delhi Sultans who having arrived in India on conquest and plunder lacked artisans and architects.
Under later dynasties, Islamic immigrants trickling into the realm (and in greater numbers during the Mongol invasion of the Middle East) added to the talent pool with newer ideas and authentic Middle Eastern styles.
The mix of styles and use of elements gradually evolved overtime reaching its pinnacle under the Mughals.
The mausoleum of Sikandar Lodi is taken to be the first of the garden mausoleums built in the sub continent.
Inspired in parts by Muhammad Shah’s Mausoleum situated a little distance away, its most visibly distinguishing feature is its octagonal plan and garden inside.
Out of the two types of tombs constructed during the period, the octagonal design appear to be associated with royalty than the more numerous square type.
The tomb was an innovation in mausoleum complexes built during the reign of the Delhi Sultanates.
Enclosed within a raised fortified complex, with two dome shaped Chattris (umbrella shaped domes) at the main entrance, the octagonal mausoleum sits in the middle of a large garden.
The housing space is ringed by a wide veranda with lightly carved pillars placed at measured intervals.
Crowning the head of the mausoleum is a single dome with a lotus finial at the top. The interior is ornamented with tiles beneath which is a single tomb.
The compound outside has an open air mosque built into the western wall with a paved platform for holy men to offer prayers for the soul of the sultan.
Jama masjid is the largest mosque in India.
Originally called Masjid-i-Jahanuma, or "mosque commanding view of the world“.
It was based on the plan and design of Ostad Khalil .
It can be called as the replica of Moti Masjid in Agra.
It is one of the finest mosque in the world.
It is a congregational mosque.
When the British first made inroads into India, little impact had been, was, or even intended on being made. Structures were mainly reflective of their functions, simple warehouses and a number of rather temporary administration facilities with residences remaining few in number, these kept to the traditional and vernacular. However, as British interests in India expanded, more permanent structures were required to facilitate the infrastructure of the new British Raj- symbols of their new status as the power seat; a sense of permanence and prominence.
This case study will be useful for environment subjects,it will enhance your knowledge about the the growing menace of global issue POLLUTION in our country
TOMB OF SIKANDER LODHI | MAUSOLEUM OF SIKANDER LODImanoj chauhan
MAUSOLEUM OF SIKANDER LODI
The lodhi dynasty (or lodhi) was An afghan dynasty that ruled
The delhi sultanate from 1451 to 1526.
It was the last dynasty of The delhi sultanate and was founded by bahlul khan
Lodi when he replaced Dynasty.
Indo-Islamic architecture is the use of Hindu and Islamic elements in combination.
The trend begun when Hindu artisans were forced to create Islamic structures for the Delhi Sultans who having arrived in India on conquest and plunder lacked artisans and architects.
Under later dynasties, Islamic immigrants trickling into the realm (and in greater numbers during the Mongol invasion of the Middle East) added to the talent pool with newer ideas and authentic Middle Eastern styles.
The mix of styles and use of elements gradually evolved overtime reaching its pinnacle under the Mughals.
The mausoleum of Sikandar Lodi is taken to be the first of the garden mausoleums built in the sub continent.
Inspired in parts by Muhammad Shah’s Mausoleum situated a little distance away, its most visibly distinguishing feature is its octagonal plan and garden inside.
Out of the two types of tombs constructed during the period, the octagonal design appear to be associated with royalty than the more numerous square type.
The tomb was an innovation in mausoleum complexes built during the reign of the Delhi Sultanates.
Enclosed within a raised fortified complex, with two dome shaped Chattris (umbrella shaped domes) at the main entrance, the octagonal mausoleum sits in the middle of a large garden.
The housing space is ringed by a wide veranda with lightly carved pillars placed at measured intervals.
Crowning the head of the mausoleum is a single dome with a lotus finial at the top. The interior is ornamented with tiles beneath which is a single tomb.
The compound outside has an open air mosque built into the western wall with a paved platform for holy men to offer prayers for the soul of the sultan.
Jama masjid is the largest mosque in India.
Originally called Masjid-i-Jahanuma, or "mosque commanding view of the world“.
It was based on the plan and design of Ostad Khalil .
It can be called as the replica of Moti Masjid in Agra.
It is one of the finest mosque in the world.
It is a congregational mosque.
When the British first made inroads into India, little impact had been, was, or even intended on being made. Structures were mainly reflective of their functions, simple warehouses and a number of rather temporary administration facilities with residences remaining few in number, these kept to the traditional and vernacular. However, as British interests in India expanded, more permanent structures were required to facilitate the infrastructure of the new British Raj- symbols of their new status as the power seat; a sense of permanence and prominence.
This case study will be useful for environment subjects,it will enhance your knowledge about the the growing menace of global issue POLLUTION in our country
What is Taj Mahal? Find details of Taj Mahal along with interesting trivia & facts. Plan your tour packages, book hotels in Agra with leading tour operators in India
Mughal art and architecture - Thesmi ThomasThesmi Thomas
The slide give a basic idea about the lifestyle of during Mughal rule. This slide mainly focus on Mughal architecture, Mughal music, Mughal literature and Mughal paintings.
1630’s,the period of Mughal prosperity.Its emperor Shah Jahan was in great grief when his third wife Mumtaz Mahal,a Persian princess died in 1631.Shah Jahan’s grief and the love for his wife traditionally held as an inspiration for Taj Mahal.Hence its construction began in 1632.
Emperor Shah Jahan himself described the
Taj Mahal in these words –
“Should guilty seek asylum here, Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.
Should a sinner make his way to this mansion, All his past sins are to be washed away.
The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.
In this world this edifice has been made; To display thereby the creator's glory”.
The Taj Mahal of Agra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for reasons more than just looking magnificent. It's the history of Taj Mahal that adds a soul to its magnificence: a soul that is filled with love, loss, remorse, and love again.
This man was the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who was head-over-heels in love with Mumtaz Mahal, his dear wife. She was a Muslim Persian princess and he was the son of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir and grandson of Akbar the Great.
It was in the memory of his beloved wife that Shah Jahan built Taj Mahal ,a magnificent monument as a tribute to her.
The construction of Taj Mahal started in the year 1631. Masons, stonecutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome-builders and other artisans were requisitioned from the whole of the empire and also from Central Asia and Iran, and it took approximately 22 years to build what we see today. which was brought in from all over India and central Asia. Taj Mahal was finally completed in the year 1653.
presentation covers following:
Mughal origin in India
Mughal empior
Mughal architecture
red sand stone phase
White marble phase
Mughal Art
Mughal litreture
Case study: Taj mahal with all construction details
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptxJheel Barad
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Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology:
Ethnobotany in herbal drug evaluation,
Impact of Ethnobotany in traditional medicine,
New development in herbals,
Bio-prospecting tools for drug discovery,
Role of Ethnopharmacology in drug evaluation,
Reverse Pharmacology.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
2. •
The Taj Mahal represents the finest and most
sophisticated example of Mughal architecture. The
distraught
Mughal
Emperor
Shah
Jahan
commissioned the mausoleum upon the death of
his favourite wife Mumtaz Begum.
•
Today it is one of the most famous and recognisable
buildings in the world and the white domed marble
mausoleum is the most familiar part of the
monument.
Taj Mahal is an extensive complex of buildings and
gardens that extends over 22.44 hectares and
includes
subsidiary
tombs,
waterworks
infrastructure, the small town of 'Taj Ganji' and a
'moonlight garden' to the north of the river.
•
•
Construction began in 1632 AD, on the south bank
of the River Yamuna in Agra, and was substantially
complete by 1648 AD
•
The architects Ustad Ahmad Lahauri and Mir Abdul Karim.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
3. Site plan
The Taj Mahal complex can be conveniently divided into 5 sections:
1. The moonlight garden to the north of the river Yamuna.
2. The riverfront terrace, containing the Mausoleum, Mosque and Jawab.
3. The Charbagh garden containing pavilions.
4. The jilaukhana for the tomb attendants and two subsidiary tombs.
5. The Taj Ganj, originally a bazaar and caravanserai only traces of which are still preserved. The
great gate lies between the jilaukhana and the garden.
Levels gradually descend in steps from the Taj Ganji towards the river
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
4. Plan of the complex
Guest House
Ornamental Pool
Main
Gateway
Forecourt
Tomb
Taj Ganj
Yamuna
Mosque
Char Bagh
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
Servant
Quaters
Royal Tombs
TAJ MAHAL
6. Concepts, Symbolism and Interpretation
•
•
•
•
•
•
This theme, common in most Mughal funerary
architecture, permeates the entire complex and
informs the detailed design of all the elements. A
number of secondary principles also inform the
design, of which hierarchy is the most dominant.
A deliberate interplay is established between the
building's
elements,
its
surface
decoration, materials, geometric planning and its
acoustics.
In Dimensional organisation- The Taj complex is
ordered by grids
Symmetry and geometric planning played an
important role in ordering the complex.
In the Taj Mahal, the hierarchical use of red
sandstone and white marble contributes manifold
symbolic significance
Red sandstone also had significance in the Persian origins of the Mughal empire. In the Taj
Mahal the relative importance of each building in the complex is denoted by the amount of
white marble (or sometimes white polished plaster) that is used.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
7. Taj Ganj
•
•
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
The area directly outside of the
forecourt is known today as Taj
Ganj.
It was once a large teeming
bazaar with stalls containing gems
and other luxuries.
TAJ MAHAL
8. Forecourt
•The Taj Mahal is split into three sections
and the forecourt is the second in
importance.
•The other two sections are; the main
mausoleum area, and the Taj Ganj.
•The imposing sandstone gateway is the
main entrance to the mausoleum.
•The Fore Court is enveloped by a red
sandstone wall that consisted of 128 shops.
Also called the Jilokhana or Chowk-iJilaukhana
ForeCourt of the Taj Mahal that was lined by
128 shops in the past
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
9. The Taj Gateway
•Spread over a width of 150 feet and
standing tall at 100 feet, the Taj gateway is
entrance to a monument.
• Made of red sandstone, this three storeyed
building is topped by cupolas or chattris.
Records state that this gateway was
completed in 1648.
•Decorated with the most sought after craft
in the Mughal times, calligraphy was used to
inscribe Holy Koranic verses on the walls of
the Gateway.
• Crowning the gateway are twenty two
small ornamental chhatris , placed in two
lines of eleven above the main portal.
•As grand an entrance as this is, it was never
used by Shah Jahan and the royal party, as
they always arrived from the Agra Fort by
boat.
Inscriptions start at the bottom and but
miraculously look the same size as your eyes
travel up the arch
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
10. • The Taj is hidden by a massive red
sandstone gateway within this square
before
the
main
entrance
Decorated in calligraphy with verses from holy
Koran.
The original door of the gateway was made out of
the solid silver
• Calligrapher, Amanat Khan has used the tromp
l'oeil effect.
•Gradual enlarging of the letters and their spacing
as they snake around the form of the arch.
•The result is seemingly consistent dimensions as
you read the holy lettering from the ground.
11. Taj Mahal Gardens
•The gardens in the Mughal era were heavily influenced
by the Persian style.
•The Holy Qoran describes Paradise as a garden, so we
see that most Mughal monuments mostly always
accompany beautiful gardens, as a representation of
heaven.
•The Taj Mahal gardens are no exception and have been
designed in the "Chahar Bagh" style, that is, divided into
four parts, the number four being a sacred number in
Islam.
Water channels is provided by neat geometric paving.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
12. • These main four parts are divided using water
channels, each channel joining the centre.
•At the centre, halfway between the tomb and
the gateway, where the four water channels
meet is a raised marble lotus-tank with a
cusped border called the "Al-Kawthar" that
signifies 'The celestial pool of abundance'.
Central tank of the Taj Mahal representing the
"celestial pool of abundance"
• The tank was so positioned that one can
perfectly see that Taj Mahal's reflection in
its waters.
•The four main garden beds are further
divided by paved stone walkways into four
beds each, making a total of 16 flower beds.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
13. The al-Kawthar - The Celestial Pool of Abundance
•The planner of the Taj preferred to add to the gorgeous view of the monument from the front
by providing these delicate bud-shaped fountains in the centre.
•This is the point where the two water channels intersect dividing the garden into four sections.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
15. The dome
•The most remarkable part of the Taj
Mahal.
•Enormous white onion shaped dome
crowning the tomb.
•Located at the exact centre of the
structure, the main dome is flanked by
four smaller ones on it four corners.
•The onion shaped dome of the Taj Mahal
sits on a massive drum that adds support
to the circular top.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
60 m
•The drum
is
also
intricately
designed
with
superb
inlay work.
TAJ MAHAL
16. •The weight of the dome was distributed to the building on which it was rested and then on to
the iwans and arches, from which it was transferred to the plinths and foundation.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
17. •The dome is actually double
shelled, and the interior false
dome was made much smaller
to be in proportion to the inner
chamber.
•This gave the building perfect
visual balance; extraordinary
from
the
outside
and
comfortable small from the
inside.
Similar technique is used at St Paul's
Cathedral in London.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
18. Finial of the Dome
•The main finial was originally made of gold
but was replaced by a copy made of
gilded bronze in the early 19th century.
•The summit of the gold gilded finial perched
at almost 220 feet from the ground, gives a
finishing look to the Taj Mahal.
• The motif is a Hindu symbol with bent lotus
leaves mounted on a "kalash" with a coconut
on top.
Decorating the summit of the dome is
an open lotus, over which is a gilded
finial.
Taj Mahal - Islamic inscription on the gold
gilded Finial
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
19. Chattris
•The most prominent are the main four
chattris, which flank the four corners of the
onion dome.
•Having an octagonal base
•with small arches on each of the eight
sides
•The top is nicely finished with an inverted
lotus with a gold finial rising from its
summit.
•Chattris are also present at the tops of the
four tall minarets.
Open
ornamenting
chattris
Taj Mahal "Chattris" flank the main dome from four sides
lotus
the
Similar Chattris on the
top of the minarets
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
20. Minarets
•The Taj Mahal's minarets detached from
the main tomb
•Standing tall at 138 feet were intelligently
designed with a slant towards the outward
side.
•This was done so that in case of any
minaret topples, it causes no damage to the
central
dome.
•These four minarets rise from the plinth with an
eight sided base and a circular pillar.
•On the top of the pillar is an octagonal balcony.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
21. •Decorated with delicate inlay work and
beautiful carvings.
•The balcony is encircled with geometric
patterns and floral motifs.
•It may have been built as a watch tower or a
place from where the "muezzin" calls for
prayers.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
22. Iwans
The tradition of having iwans in both
residential and public buildings found their
way into Mughal architecture.
• By definition, iwans are vaulted spaces
covered by three sides and open from one.
•They normally have an ornate gateway that
was called a "pishtaq".
•The Taj Mahal's front facade is dominated
with "iwans", the main one lying just below
the onion shaped dome.
•There are eight smaller ones on the front face
equally intricately designed.
•The monument has 28 iwans in all, with four
main iwans on the four faces of the structure.
•The other 24 iwans are identical in size with
four on each face and two on the angled sides.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
The Taj Mahal Iwan with an ornate "Pishtaq"
TAJ MAHAL
23. Guldastas
•Even the smallest areas had design elements
like the "guldastas" that flank the exterior of
the Taj.
• "Guldastas" is the Urdu terminology for the
flower topped pinnacles that rise from the
main sides of the structure. These "guldastas"
are not originally Mughal, but were an integral
part of the Sayed architecture
They were added to the Taj Mahal purely for
beauty and lends the building a sense of height.
•Decorated with lotus petals, the guldastas are
topped with gold finials.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
25. •The tomb is the central focus
•It stands on a square plinth
•It consists of a symmetrical building with
an iwan topped by a large dome and finial.
• Its basic elements are Persian in origin
•On each of these sides, a huge pishtaq, or
vaulted archway, frames the iwan with two
similarly shaped, arched balconies stacked on
either side.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
• Multi-chambered cube
•Chamfered corners forming an unequal
octagon that is approximately 55 meters
(180 ft) on each of the four long side.
TAJ MAHAL
26. •The Taj Mahal is situated on a raised platform which is over 6 meters high.
•The actual Tomb of Shah Jahan is in the basement below the platform.
•Surmounted by a curving dome which is over 60m long on each side.
•Height is over 60m at its pinnacle.
•Platform covers 94 sq m area.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
27. Entrance to the Mausoleum
Way to Cenotaph
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
Rauza (tomb) in the
mausoleum
TAJ MAHAL
28. The Rauza(tomb) in the Mausoleum
The main chamber houses the false
sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and
Shah Jahan.
The actual graves are at a lower level
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
29. Hasht bihisht and the central chamber
The central chamber of the
mausoleum is an octagonal room.
It is flanked on each wall by outer
chambers that create a layout
used frequently in Mughal
architecture.
This layout, referred to as the
'hasht bihisht', a nine-fold
plan, was derived from Persian
architectural precedents.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
31. •
Surrounded by a marble screen, the cenotaphs
of the Emperor and his wife lie in the centre of
the room.
•
Mumtaz Mahal's body was buried in the Taj
Mahal after her death in 1631;
•
Shah Jahan laid to rest at his wife's side in 1666
after death
Originally not planed for Shah
Jahan’s cenotaph
Which was added after his death
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
32. Jali around the cenotaphs
•
A protective octagonal screen made of
perforated marble panels, or jalis, with borders
of inlaid marble surrounds the two cenotaphs in
the central chamber.
Octagonal room
Each of the jalis, including the larger
doorway and north face, were carved
from single slabs of marble.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
33. The Interior
•Staircases lead to the upper storey that has
four octagonal rooms.
•The rooms also have balconies with jali
screens to allow light and air to filter in to the
chambers.
Balcony of the octagonal rooms on top floor
of the Taj Mahal
•All the interior walls of the mausoleum have
huge arches that have jalis to allow air and
light.
Jali screens that allow light and air
inside the masoleum
•The shining marble cladded on the walls are decorated with beautiful floral patterns using
carving and inlay work.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
34. •
The inner dome is an umbrella
to the central octagonal room.
•
Four rectangular rooms are
situated to the sides
•
The inner layer of the
dome, like the exterior, is made
of creamy white marble.
•Three-dimensional geometric decoration
and a central inlaid motif highlight the
interior of the dome.
•Following the theme of light, the imitation
of the sun could be seen to symbolize Allah's
divine presence within the tomb of his
devout servant
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
35. Ornamentation and Mouldings
•The Taj Mahal depicts elaborate carvings
with around forty three different kinds of
gems used.
•The carving at the Taj Mahal is done
using a technique called “manabbat
kari”, which essentially is a carving that
stands out from a flat surface.
•The manabbat kari process involves
drawing the flower patterns directly on
the marble with henna and then using
fine chisels to carve them out.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
41. Materials, Cost and Calligraphy
• The Taj Mahal was constructed using materials
from all over India and Asia. The buildings are
constructed with walls of brick and rubble
inner cores faced with either marble or
sandstone locked together with iron dowels
and clamps.
• Much of the calligraphy is composed of florid
thuluth script, made of jasper or black
marble, inlaid in white marble panels.
• Higher panels are written in slightly larger
script to reduce the skewing effect when
viewed from below.
• Throughout the complex, passages from the
Qur'an are used as decorative elements.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
45. The Mosque
•The tomb of Mumtaz Mahal has a
mosque or the "Masjid" to its left.
• Built of red sandstone, the structure
complements
the
pristine
white
mausoleum.
•Spread over 210 feet in length and 90
feet in width, the mosque stands on a
raised platform.
•The front face of the mosque boasts of
one big central iwan and two smaller ones
perched on either side on the main one.
•The central dome is flanked by two
smaller ones on either side and the four
corners of the mosque have a chattri.
•Other design features include the
guldastas or the pinnacles that flank the
sides of the iwans.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
46. • Either side of the major iwan is two
smaller arches sandwiched between four
towering pinnacles. The spandrels above
the arches are studded with colored
marble inlay and the mosque dados
feature naturalistic floral designs.
On the roof and complementing the arches
below are three marble-coated domes.
Inverted lotus shaped designs cloak the top
of the domes, surmounted by gilded finials.
On the four corners of the mosque are
chhatris, or domed kiosks, which have a
marble
coated
veneer.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
47. •The flooring of the mosque is
beautifully laid out.
•Giving a carpet feel, the floor area is
inlaid with red marble stone in the
pattern
of
prayer
mats.
•The ceiling of the mosque has an ornate
display of beautiful geometric patterns.
•The white inlay work stand out splendidly
against the red sandstone background
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
48. •The mosque also has a "minbar", a
platform from where the priest delivers
lectures.
•The other notable feature of the mosque
is the "mihrab" that is an enclosed area
showing the direction of Mecca.
•One can see a lot of calligraphy on the walls of
the interiors, all taken from the Koranic verses.
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
49. View from the rooftop chattri (kiosk)
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL
50. View from the Minaret
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE III
TAJ MAHAL