If there is any monument associated with love, passion and glory, it is undoubtedly the "Taj Mahal". Taj Mahal is not only the pride of a nation with more than one billion people, but also it highlights the glory of Mogul art and architecture. Above all, it is regarded as the symbol of love.
Shah Jahan, the fifth Mogul emperor, built Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Unlike other Mogul kings, Shah Jahan was known for his passion towards art and love. He was in deep love with his wife, who had significant influence on his life and policy making. However, there was a sad end to their love story, when Mumtaz Mahal died at the age of 39 ..More Details
Mumtaz Mahal or Arjumand Banu was the woman in whose memory the Taj Mahal was built. Perhaps, there is no better and grand monument built in the history of human civilization dedicated to love. Arjumand Banu was daughter of Asaf Khan and when she married Shahjahan at the age of 14 years, imperial city of Agra was already agog with the stories of her beauty. She was third wife of Prince Khurram or Shahjahan and the principle one throughout their life. She became Mumtaz Mahal in 1612 after her marriage and remained an inseparable companion of her husband till her death. As a symbol of her faith and love she bore Shahjahan 14 children and died during the birth of last child.For the love and affection she showed to her husband, Mumtaz Mahal received highest honor of the land - the royal seal ..More Details
The reign of Shahjahan from 1628 to 1658 was the golden age of Mughal architecture in India that produced a series of noble buildings. But, the most prominent and undoubtedly magnificent of all these was Taj Mahal built by him in the memory of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. There are very few buildings in the world with which so many of legends and literature has been produced and so many architects to take credit of the design of this symbol of love. The structure of Taj Mahal adheres to the Islamic style (Mughal style) of architecture, which flourished in India during the medieval period. The Islamic style of architecture is also referred to as the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. This magnificent monument is set around a Charbagh or ‘four garden’ plan, which is split by ..More Details
The ten day Taj Mahotsav at Agra is a cultural platform that brings the finest crafts and culture of India together. The Taj Mahotsav is a festive introduction to the city of Agra and the Uttar Pradesh. Agra is known for its magnificent monuments dating back to many centuries. The arts, crafts and culture which defines the rich heritage of Uttar Pradesh are on display during the festival. The ten day Taj Mahotsav at Agra is a cultural platform that brings the finest crafts and culture of India together. The Taj Mahotsav is a festive introduction to the city of Agra and the Uttar Pradesh. Agra is known for its magnificent monuments dating back to many centuries. The arts, crafts and culture which defines the rich heritage of Uttar Pradesh are on display during the festival ..More Details
The Archaeological Survey of India has decided that Taj Mahal will remain closed on Fridays for the public except for those who go for afternoon prayers in the mosque next to the 17-th century monument. The monument, which attracts thousands of visitors every day, previously remained closed on Mondays. Described by the Indian classical poet Tagore as a "tear on the face of eternity" - the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the zenith of Moghul architecture and quite simply one of the world's most marvellous buildings. Volumes have been written on it s perfection, and its image adorns countless glossy brochures and guide books; nonetheless, the reality never fails to overwhelm all who see it, and few words can do it justice. The glory of the monument is strangely undiminished by the crowds of tourists ..More Details
On either side of the Tai Mahal are buildings of red sandstone. The one to the west is a Mosque. It faces towards Mecca and is used for prayer. Before we have a look at the mosque, let us take note of a small stone enclosure along the western boundary wall where the well of the Mosque is located. This greenery shaded structure, measuring 19 ft. by 6.5 ft. marks the site where the remains of Mumtaz Mahal were deposited when first brought to Agra. From this temporary grave they were removed to their present place of internment in the mausoleum. On the outside the Mosque has pietra dura work twining across its spandrels. The platform in front of the Mosque is of red sandstone. A highly polished small marble piece is so fitted that it serves as a mirror and one can see the mausoleum reflected in it ..More Details
The lush green garden expands from the main gateway to the plinth, over which stands the tomb. The garden in essense is based on symmetry and geometrical measurements. The Persian style garden has a close link with paradise, since Quran describes paradise as a beautiful garden.
Through the centre of the garden runs the two marble canals with fountains and lined with cypress trees (symbolising death). This divides the garden into four equal squares(Islam considers four to be a holy number), evoking the image of Islamic paradise that has rivers of water, milk, wine and honey flow. The stone paved pathways further subdivides each flower bed into 4, making total of 16 flower beds. ..More Details
The Taj Mahal looms fairytale-like from the banks of the Yamuna River. It's India’s most recognized monument and is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal has a rich history dating back to 1630 AD. It’s actually a tomb that contains the body of Mumtaz Mahal -- the wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. He had it built as an ode to his love for her. It's made out of marble and took 22 years and 20 000 workers to complete. The entrance fee is 750 rupees ($18) for foreigners and a signficantly less 20 rupees (50 cents) for Indian nationals. Children younger than 15 years are free. Night time tickets cost 750 rupees for foreigners and 500 rupees for Indian nationals, for half an hour’s admittance. These tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance from the Archaeological Survey of India office ..More Details
