Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is an iconic ivory-white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, famed as a symbol of love and one of the world's great architectural masterpieces. Built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it attracts millions of visitors every year with its breathtaking design and rich history.
Overview and History
The Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1632 and completed around 1653, employing over 20,000 artisans led by architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.
It stands on the southern bank of the Yamuna River, within a 42-acre complex that includes a mosque, guest house, and lush gardens.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its symmetry, intricate pietra dura inlays, and its ability to change color with the time of day—appearing pink at dawn, milky white in the evening, and golden under moonlight.
It stands on the southern bank of the Yamuna River, within a 42-acre complex that includes a mosque, guest house, and lush gardens.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its symmetry, intricate pietra dura inlays, and its ability to change color with the time of day—appearing pink at dawn, milky white in the evening, and golden under moonlight.
What to See
The main mausoleum houses the symbolic tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, with their actual graves in a lower crypt.
Key features include exquisite marble screens, gemstone inlays, and calligraphy from the Quran decorating the interiors and cenotaphs.
The ornate gardens, reflecting pools, and two flanking red sandstone buildings (a mosque and a guesthouse) enhance the setting’s grandeur.
Key features include exquisite marble screens, gemstone inlays, and calligraphy from the Quran decorating the interiors and cenotaphs.
The ornate gardens, reflecting pools, and two flanking red sandstone buildings (a mosque and a guesthouse) enhance the setting’s grandeur.