Taj Mahal, Agra

Taj Mahal, Agra

The Taj Mahal is one of the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tombs in the world, a masterpiece of Indian Muslim architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Taj Mahal is one of the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tombs in the world, a masterpiece of Indian Muslim architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This immense mausoleum in white marble was built between 1631 and 1648 on the banks of the Yamuna river by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, whose name translates to Ornament of the Palace. Taj Mahal means Crown Palace.

The entire Taj complex consists of five major constituents - Rauza (main mausoleum), Darwaza (main gateway), Bageecha (gardens), Masjid (mosque), and Naqqar Khana (rest house), which are set along the north-south axis. The radiant edifice of the mausoleum is a perfectly proportioned symmetrical structure, sitting on a plinth decorated with delicate relief and topped with a 35 metre high onion dome surrounded by 4 mini-domes of the chattris at the corners. The mausoleum has a 40 metre tall minaret at each of the 4 corners. The walls of the façade have decorative elements of calligraphy, abstract forms and floral motifs created by applying paint, stucco, stone inlays or carvings. The dado frames and archway spandrels have been decorated with pietra dura inlays of highly stylized vines, flowers and fruits. The inlay stones are of yellow marble, jasper and jade, polished and levelled to the surface of the walls. Inside, the burial crypt in the lower chamber (inaccessible but visible to visitors) houses the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. Calligraphic inscriptions of passages from the Holy Quran and the 99 names of Allah can be found on the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. The cenotaphs are along the north-south axis, with the faces turned towards Mecca. Above these tombs is the main chamber that has the false tombs and perforated octagonal marble screens that transmit light into the burial chamber, a typical feature of Mughal mausoleums. Semi-precious stones are exquisitely inlaid in both the tombs.

Walk around the grounds of the awe-inspiring complex to explore the other beautiful buildings, reflecting pools, and charbagh - the extensive ornamental gardens with flowering trees and bushes. Legend has it that Shah Jahan planned to build a black marble replica on the opposite side of the river as his own mausoleum, but was unable to go through with it.

Renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore described the Taj Mahal as ‘a teardrop on the cheek of eternity’, while the English poet Sir Edwin Arnold said it was ‘not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones’. Take a tour to see for yourself this magnificent symphony in marble that has inspired generations of poets and lovers. Plan to visit the Taj at least two different times during the day (sunrise and sunset are best) in order to experience the full effect of changing sunlight on the amazing building. There are night viewing sessions on full moons and the two days before and after, which give a glorious view of the enchanting Taj bathed in soft moonlight. The western gate is the main gate where most tourists enter. A large number of people turn up on weekends and public holidays and entry through the western gate may take hours. The southern and eastern gates are much less busy and should be tried on such days.