Location of the Taj MahalThe Location of the grand Taj Mahal was carefully chosen by Emperor Shah Jahan, as the site was clearly visible from the Agra Fort. Located on the banks of the River Yamuna the Taj Mahal in Agra, India gives the impression of a humongous lone white cloud rising from the ground in unparalleled grandeur and enigmatic charm, full of unspoken promises of love and bonding. The board of architects who were chosen to design this monumental mausoleum under sovereign supervision chose to construct this paradisiacal structure on a raised sandstone platform that creates a breathtaking effect for the tourist as one enters the premises from the main gate. The location of the Taj Mahal was chosen to complement its beauty and to create a mausoleum complex that would be according to Shah Jahan’s conception something similar to Allah’s paradise. The location of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India is such that you can marvel at the reflection of this monument on the silver waters of the River Yamuna. Located at the center of a huge complex, the main mausoleum stands on a raised sandstone platform and has four exquisitely designed minarets that mark the four corners of the monument. A wonderfully designed mosque and a red sandstone guesthouse flank the lovely mausoleum on its right and left. The artistically designed Char Bagh and the pretty lotus pond that greet you as you enter the Taj Mahal complex in Agra, India are sure to steal your heart, in fact the complete panorama is breathtaking.
History of the Taj MahalThe history of this magnificent dedication to love began with the tragic death of the mighty emperor Shah Jahan’s first love and beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum during childbirth.
It is believed that the Mughal court mourned the death of their beloved Empress for more than two years. There were no celebrations or feasting on holidays for a long time after Mumtaz Mahal passed away. Prince Khurram or Shah Jahan wed Arjumand Bano Begum in the year 1612 A.D. and ever since the duo were inseparable. The trust, affection and love shared by the two manifest itself in the walls of the stunning Taj Mahal that are alive with silent praises and hymns of love. All through Shah Jahan’s lifetime the mausoleum was known as ’rauza’ later it was named Taj Mahal, which happens to be an adaptation of the name Mumtaz Mahal. Arjumand Bano was affectionately addressed as Mumtaz Mahal as she played a pivotal role in the very existence of Shah Jahan, she was his political advisor, best friend and devoted lover. Shah Jahan made it a point to take her along with him even to the war field. It was during one such expedition that Mumtaz Mahal passed away while giving birth to their 14th child. The inscriptions from the Holy Koran that are found on the walls of the main mausoleum and on the southern façade of the majestic red-sandstone main gate, quite clearly indicate that Taj Mahal is meant to be akin to Allah’s "Garden of Paradise" that offers the ultimate home to the souls of those who have passed away. The aesthetic charm of this grand mausoleum derives its soul from the romantic love story and companionship that inspired its conception and finally led to its construction.
Worshippers of love, beauty and all things adorable have crossed the seas since the 17th century to come and get a glimpse of this flawlessly sculpted white marble mausoleum.
Poets and artists over the centuries have tried helplessly to reproduce the unmatched beauty of this mausoleum with its living soul in word, song and paint.
Architecture of the Taj MahalA grand mausoleum built as the highest tribute to eternal love and as an exaltation of mans ego -The Taj Mahal in Agra, India represents the finest illustration of Safavid style of architecture. In fact the architectural style of the imposing mausoleum is a unique example of Indo-Islamic architecture. Considered to be the ultimate achievement of Mughal architectural expression, the Taj Mahal in Agra, India is a dream in pure marble that was specially brought from Makrana in Rajasthan, India and shaped by a colony of 20,000 artisans, calligraphers, stone masons and other craftsmen. The board of architects who were given the responsibility to oversee the construction of this wonder monument were Ustad Ahmed Lahwari, Makramat Khan and Abd ul-Karim Ma’mur Khan among others. The emperor Shah Jahan was actively involved in the team of architects.
Muhammed Hanif, the chief mason supervised the workers onsite. Ismail Khan Afridi, an architect from Turkey, played a key role in the conception, design and construction of the dome that crowns the mausoleum. Ghiyasuddin, a celebrated poet in the Mughal court had the privilege of composing the epitaphs inscribed on the tombstones of Emperor Shah Jahan and Empress Mumtaz Mahal. The architecture of the Taj Mahal is such that it is a part of a huge complex that consists of a massive red sandstone entrance that leads to the enthralling Char Bagh, at the extreme end of which stands the lovely Taj Mahal perched on a red sandstone platform. The Naqqar Khana (guesthouse) lies on one side of the monument and the Masjid (mosque) lies on the other. The foundations of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India was laid on solid bases. The workers were made to dig till they reached the water level and then the entire space was carefully filled with lime mortar and stone to create the "Chameli farsh" that formed the foundation of the red sandstone platform that supports the fabulous Taj Mahal. The superstructure was the main consideration while the foundation was being constructed such that each pier of the monument rests on a lime and mortar well that are connected by massive arches.
The pietra dura (inlay) work done with precious stones like jade, lapis, amethyst, garnet, coral, onyx, sapphire, jasper, lazuli and other varieties of colorful semi-precious and precious stones on the pure white marble is done with such finesse that one cannot distinguish till date where the precious stone actually separates from the marble, as though the floral motifs and geometrical designs are not inlaid in stone but have been printed on it. So come and experience the undying feeling of love that bonds human beings in a positive string at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India with About Taj Mahal. Be enthralled at the way the pure white marble seems to reflect the hues of the changing phases during the day.
Few Tours for Tajmahal - Agra |
