Construction
began: 1632 Completed:
1653 Built
by: Shah Jahan Designer:
Ahmad Lahauri Build
for: in memory of Mumtaz Mahal World
Heritage Site: 1983 Cost
of Costruction: about 32 million Rupees
It is an object of great beauty. built by Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite
wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal (also "the Taj") is
considered the finest example of Mughal architecture,
a style that combines elements from Indian and
Islamic architectural styles.
the Taj Mahal is actually an integrated
complex of structures
As one enters through Taj Mahal Gate, the
calligraphy reads "O Soul, thou art at
rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him,
and He at peace with you.
Abstract forms are used especially in the plinth,
minarets, gateway, mosque, jawab, and to a lesser
extent, on the surfaces of the tomb.
The complex is set around a large 300-meter
square charbagh, a Mughal garden. The garden
uses raised pathways that divide each of the
four quarters of the garden into 16 sunken parterres
or flowerbeds.
The Taj Mahal attracts from 2 to 4 million visitors
annually, with more than 200,000 from overseas.
Construction
began: 1632
