“The Jewel of Muslim art” and the “crown of palaces”, TAJ MAHAL is one of the most famous and well-known sites in all of India. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum in Agra, India. While the site is widely known and appreciated throughout India, its fame spreads throughout the rest of the world as well. People come from different part of the world just to experience the Beauty, Love Story, History, Taj Mahal Design & Construction of Taj Mahal.

“ History, Design & Construction of Taj Mahal ”

This now-famous structure was originally commissioned by Shah Jahan, a Mughal emperor, after the death of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan wanted to find a way to honor his wife’s memory, and thus, the idea behind the Taj Mahal, which is actually a mausoleum, was born. It is also believed that it was Mumtaz’s wish from Shah Jahan that he should build something for her that reflects his love for Mumtaz. For fulfilling his wife’s wish the idea of building a monument that no one has built before and the only monument that is a symbol of love, the idea of building “TAJ MAHAL” strike his mind.

There are many stories that famous all around the world regarding the famous TAJ MAHAL but the only truth about this monument is that it is a great symbol of love and passion, the love of Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz that is remarkable in history.

Construction of Taj Mahal, the beautiful structure took many years. It is believed that thousands upon thousands of artisans, craftsmen, and laborers worked on the structure. The construction of the Taj Mahal was such a massive undertaking that it required more than just one architect; in fact, it required an entire board of architects. The board working under imperial supervision and direction, consisted of several major architects of the time, including Abdul-Karim, Makramat Khat, Ma’mur Khan and principal designer Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.

Famous as one of the wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal at Agra, India, is epitome of true love and passion. The architectural beauty and magnificence of the Taj Mahal have never been surpassed. It is said to be the most beautiful monument built by the Mughal rulers and represents the zenith of the Mughal architecture. But entirely out of white marbles, the beauty of the Taj Mahal is beyond description.

Taj Mahal, synonymous with India’s identity, is the crowning jewel of Mughal architecture in India. An architectural marvel, the structure incorporates elements of Persian influences like the design of the Dome and incorporation of arched entrances or ‘IWANS’ along with inspiration from contemporary Hindu design elements. The monument is the most beautiful reminder of eternal love.

“ History of The Taj Mahal ”

TAJ MAHAL was known as the tomb of Begum Mumtaz Mahal. Actually this was the title conferred on the first lady, which means “the exalted of the Palace” and whose actual name was Arjumand Banu Begum. Mumtaz Mahal died on June 17, 1631. The whole nation and Mughal Empire was shrouded in grief on the death of this noble lady. Shah Jahan soon announced a memorial to be erected for the Begum and invited designs and layouts from the famous architects. The remains of Mumtaz were buried inside Taj Mahal.

After the death of Shah Jahan on 1^st February 1666, he was also buried beside Mumtaz in the Taj Mahal. The end of Shah Jahan brought a golden chapter of Mughal Empire to a close, which portrayed magnificence, color and elegance of those days. Taj Mahal serves as a pleasant symbol of dedicated love, harmony and mutual respect of two lovers.

Shah Jahan by constructing the world famous TAJ MAHAL has made this period of Mughal history immortal in the minds of art lovers.

“ Taj Mahal Design and Construction”

Built in the honor of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is constructed on the banks of river Yamuna and it is said that more than 22,000 workers were involved in the construction. Artisans and materials from all over India came for its construction. The Taj Mahal is a combination of Islamic, Persian and Indian architecture.

The construction of the TAJ MAHAL started in 1632 and was completed in 1653. Thousands of skilled laborers and craftsmen worked day in and day out during that time. Taj Mahal designer’s principle was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, a Persian architect.

Located on the southern part of Agra, the TAJ MAHAL is built on a land with an area of roughly three acres. The land before construction was dug up, filled with dirt and filling materials and was leveled around 164 feet (50 meters) above the river water level.

For quicker and easier transportation of raw materials and marbles, an inclined ramp was made by using tightly pressurized earth. This 9.32 mile (15km) long ramp was the lifeline of the whole construction process. Moreover, to bring marble and other construction materials to the ramp, bullock carts with special wagons were used.

In order to jack up the huge marble pieces, a specially designed pulley system was used. The water needed for the construction was pulled out of the river using a mechanical bucket system attached with ropes and pulled by animals. The water was collected in a massive storage tank and was distributed from there to various smaller storage tanks located at various parts of the construction site.

The raw material for the construction was imported from various parts of Asia. Approximately twenty thousand workers worked on this building simultaneously. Sculptors and architects from different parts of India were hired to carve the marble flowers that are found throughout the building. In accordance with Islamic tradition, verses from the Quran were inscribed in calligraphy on the arched entrances to the mausoleum, in addition to the numerous other sections of the complex.

Estimating the total cost of Taj Mahal is a bit difficult, it is said that the approx cost was close to thirty-two million rupees, a very large amount at that time. The TAJ MAHAL is now a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. An embodiment of genuine architectural skills, beauty and grace. The Taj Mahal stands not only as an architectural achievement but also as a civil engineering wonder, inspiring architects and engineers around the world.

“ History, Taj Mahal Design  & Construction of Taj Mahal ”

Taj Mahal, “the epitome of love”, is a “monument of immeasurable beauty”. The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come into the mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra is not just its phenomenal beauty, but the immense love which was the reason behind its construction.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this monument constructed in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, with whom he fell in love at the first sight. Ironically, the very first sight of the Taj Mahal, the epitome of love and romance, also leaves visitors mesmerized.