Taj Mahal – Epitome of Love

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A morning shot of the Taj Mahal

Visit to Taj Mahal lead you to one of the medieval wonders of the world. The Epitome of love is constructed under the leadership of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan dedicated to his better-half Mumtaz Mahal. The most spectacular site, undoubtedly, attracts thousand of tourists and love birds across the world.

Location

One of the most beautiful architecture of the world is situated in Agra, Uttar Pradesh state of India. The eye witness of saga of the platonic love between Emperor Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal took 20 years to complete and signifies the essence of selfless of love.

Structure of Taj Mahal

The structure of Taj Mahal was inspired by the Islamic style (Mughal style) of architecture which was golden period for India. The magnificent palace is constructed around the Charbagh or four garden plans which is divided by water course- a reflection of Persian style. Constructed on high plinth which includes four tapering minarets at each other, it is a two storied building.

The tomb of the Emperor and his queen is set inside the dome. The whole structure is made of white marble and its wall are adorned with mesmerizing pieta durra (stone inlay) work. According to a legend, it was adorned with very precious and semi precious stones.

The dome is the central focus of the building. It stands on a square raised platform from which rises the symmetrical white building topped by a large dome and the finial. The raised platform is meant to capture only the sky in the background. All the four faces of the edifice are similar with vaulted arches inlaid with marble work and calligraphy of Quran verses. The four minarets are over 40 metres tall built in perfect symmetry. They are structured outwards so that in the event of an earthquake they would not fall on the Taj Mahal.

Inspiration

Tajmahal is not only the peak period of Mughal architecture which was started during period of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor of India. The structure was inspired by the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun and the tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khana in Delhi.

The four-pillared design was taken from the majestic mausoleum of Akbar located at Sikandara. The beautiful calligraphic work of Taj was completed by the skilled calligrapher Amanat Khan. Finally the concept of Marble for the construction of monument was taken from the structure of Itmad-u-llah which was constructed under the guidance of Noorjahan self.