What and where is the Taj Mahal?
Set on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal is a monumental mausoleum erected in the 17th century over a sixteen-year period. A marvel of Indo-Islamic architecture, the Taj Mahal has a storied history and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. To join the millions of tourists who visit the monument, you can book a ticket on the India flights page!
Who built the Taj Mahal and why?
In 1631, Arjumand Banu Begum (Mumtaz Mahal), the beloved wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, died after giving birth to her child. Bereft, Shah Jahan commissioned a mausoleum for her tomb. Construction on the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1648. Today, the Taj Mahal complex houses two tombs, those of Arjumand Banu Begum and Shah Jahan. Simultaneously, the Taj Mahal reflects the strength and might of the Mughal empire, which was at its peak during the reign of Shah Jahan (1628-1658).
Architectural features of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is considered an exemplar of Indo-Islamic architecture, with symbolism, symmetry, simplicity and majesty integral elements within the structure’s design. The buildings on the Taj Mahal complex are composed of two primary materials, white marble and red sandstone. The enormous mausoleum building was built using gleaming white marble blocks and includes a mosque and a reception hall, as well as gardens, marble gates and 42-meter-tall minarets. Other elements of the complex are constructed from red sandstone. The main tomb building and other structures in the complex are inscribed with verses from the Holy Quran.
How long did it take to build the Taj Mahal?
Construction on the mausoleum began in 1632. While the main structure was finished in 1648, the rest of the complex was not completed until 1653.
How many people worked on the construction of the Taj Mahal?
Shah Jahan formed a commission to oversee the construction of the mausoleum, which employed craftsmen and artisans as well as builders. According to historians, the committee’s blueprints and models incorporated Shah Jahan’s personal directions. According to accounts, approximately 20,000 people worked on the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Why are the marbles of the Taj Mahal white?
This love monument, created as a tribute to his wife by Shah Jahan, as well as a bequeathment to the world, is rich in symbolic meaning. The white marble used for the structure is widely interpreted to signify harmony, purity and spirituality. In any case, the white marble gives the monument a mystical and unworldly beauty.
What about the gardens of the Taj Mahal?
The gardens of the Taj Mahal are almost as legendary as the mausoleum itself. The complex’s iconic reflecting pond, which leads to the gate, is a key element in the landscape design of the complex, which also includes expansive flower gardens, trees, fountains and walking paths.
How to get to the Taj Mahal
While there is a domestic airport in Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located, the most commonly used international airports for visitors to India are Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), in Delhi, and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM), in Mumbai. The Taj Mahal is about a four-hour drive from Indira Gandhi International Airport. Agra is also accessible via railway routes. Depending on your point of departure, you can use the train to get to other airports in the country.
Information on visiting the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is open to visitors every day of the week except Friday. The monument is accessible to visitors starting 30 minutes before sunrise and it closes 30 minutes before sunset. Tickets for the Taj Mahal are available for purchase at the ticket sales points located at the east and west gates. Another option is to purchase tickets through official online channels. Entrance fees are not applicable to children under 15. There are separate lines for local and foreign tourists at the entrance.
