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Front View of Taj Mahal showing pool. |
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The Taj Mahal is regarded as one of eight wonders of the world. It is located in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh state in India. It has attractive architectural beauty. The Taj Mahal is the most beautiful monument
built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. It is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond description at dawn and sunset. The Taj Mahal seems to glow in the light of the full moon. Taj Mahal was built by a Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 A.D.) in the memory of his loving wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal. The queen?s real name was Arjumand Banu. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.
Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. Taj Mahal was completed in 1648 A.D. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The master architect was Ustad ?Isa?, the renowned Islamic architect of his time. The Taj Mahal stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design have the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and exactly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and symmetry of architectural elements. Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and height of 213 feet. There are also four subsidiary domed chambers. The four graceful minarets are 162.5 feet each. The entire mausoleum is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems. The central domed chamber and four chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration. The mausoleum is one of the part of a big complex comprising of a main gateway, garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and many other buildings. The Taj Mahal is at end of this complex, with the river Yamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections.
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© imagesofasia 2007 |
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