A stunning building is set to be erected, a structure that will be akin to paradise on earth. A prestigious architect has been hired to bring Shah Jahan’s royal dream to life. Mumtaz’s mausoleum will be constructed in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and the greenery surrounding Agra appears distinct because of the Taj Mahal. There will be mosques, markets, and this will be the place that everyone will adore the most. To ensure balance in the construction, the entire area has been divided into two sections. It embodies spirituality. Thus, the Taj Mahal is designed in Islamic architecture and is made entirely of white marble.
Construction
These stones were moved from Makrana, Rajasthan to Agra, spanning a distance of 400 kilometers. The floral designs visible on its walls showcase traditional Italian craftsmanship. Semi-precious stones have been incorporated to create this botanical pattern, resembling a view of a divine garden. The Islamic architectural features of the Taj Mahal were brought to life by presenting verses of the Quran in a calligraphic style on its walls, which is why it is referred to as paradise in Islam; it has eight entry points. The spacious chambers within this mausoleum are octagonal in shape.
The gardens that surround the Taj Mahal are arranged into four sections, and the gardens within its walls reflect Central Asian heritage. The floral designs depicted on the walls appear remarkably vibrant, and the turmeric is identical to what can be found in local markets. His commitment to his craft is evident, as the fairy’s eyes can be found in every aspect of the Taj Mahal.
It is well-known that constructing the Taj Mahal took nearly two decades. Along the banks of the Yamuna River, Shah Jahan created another garden filled with numerous flowers. The Taj Mahal’s flawless reflection could be seen in this garden. Expertise in architecture, poets who composed verses of the Quran, calligraphers, skilled craftsmen, and laborers who produced bricks—all contributed to the creation of this remarkable work of art.
The Taj Mahal was finished in 1643. Shah Jahan also arranged numerous events for its maintenance. Visitors from across the globe began flocking to Agra to admire it. Each time, people expressed their admiration for its beauty, which made the emperor feel a sense of pride. However, as Shah Jahan aged, he began to lose influence. Before long, conflicts arose among his children regarding the succession of the Mughal Sultanate.
Shah Jahan lost kingdom
When Shah Jahan regained his health, Aurangzeb had already ascended to the throne of the Mughal Empire. As the emperor of the Mughals, he had seized control of the Sultanate’s throne. The only way for Shah Jahan to find solitude was to visit the Taj. Upon Shah Jahan’s death, he was taken in by Mumtaz at the Taj. It is said that Shah Jahan was a courteous individual who always spoke with respect. Abraham Nirali, the author of *Emperors of the Peacock Throne of the Great Mughal*, highlighted that self-control was Shah Jahan’s most notable trait. Italian historian Inayat Khan, the court historian of Lucknow, remarked in *Shah Jahan Naam* that Mumtaz Mahal was exceptionally beautiful and the emperor was so reliant on her that he frequently sought her counsel. However, his time with Mumtaz was not destined to last.
Just four years after he ascended to the Mughal throne, he was observed avoiding leaving his room for 30 hours. He also abandoned a life of luxury. Often, he had to travel without his car. Upon his arrival in India, Shah Jahan designated him as his chief architect. Precautions were taken to ensure that floodwaters from the Yamuna would not harm the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal, measuring 64 feet in width, has stood on its foundation for nearly four centuries. Some of the marble slabs used in the Taj Mahal were so large that it required a team of oxen considerable effort to transport them to Agra. These marble stones were delivered to Agra from Rajasthan using specially designed bullock carts. Additionally, there is a marble piece associated with the Taj Mahal; during the construction of a similar structure, scaffolding was erected, which would take five years to dismantle.
Mathematical symmetry
This monument represents love, but from an engineering perspective, it also embodies mathematical symmetry. Symmetry refers to a balanced alignment, and when divided into equal sections, it is termed symmetrical. Achieving this results in the collapse of a political divide. You will notice that both the right and left sides are identical. On one side of the Taj Mahal, there are minarets and windows, and on the other side, their dimensions are also identical. Considerable care was taken with the geometric design.
The Taj Mahal has been constructed in such a way that during a natural disaster or earthquake, the minarets will fall outward instead of onto the Taj Mahal. Verses from the Quran have been inscribed on it so that those in need can read them. The construction of the Taj Mahal involved precise calculations using golden threads. The flower designs on the Taj Mahal are so lifelike that one might want to reach out and touch them. Russian author Helena Blavatsky has expressed similar sentiments. The Taj Mahal features around 40 different types of precious and semi-precious stones. For instance, green jade was imported from China through the Silk Road. It is said that Shah Jahan invested approximately four crore rupees to ensure that the Taj Mahal was not overly burdened. The funding for the construction of the Taj Mahal came from tax revenues collected from 30 villages surrounding Agra, as directed by Shah Jahan.
Instruction to tourist today
When Jahangir ascended to the Mughal throne, he put his father in prison. Shah Jahan had passed away, spending his final moments at the Taj Mahal. He requested Aurangzeb to ensure his father received a dignified farewell. Shah Jahan was laid to rest beside his wife, Mumtaz. Honeymoon cottages were constructed in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal. Picnics took place within the garden. Valuable gems and decorative stones within the Taj Mahal, along with exquisite carpets and carvings, began to vanish. There were plans to demolish the Taj Mahal and sell off its marble. During the first Indian War of Independence in 1857, British soldiers showed an interest in preserving India’s architectural heritage and invested in restoring the Taj Mahal. Heritage sites are particularly vulnerable during conflicts. Online images often only depict the main dome of the Taj Mahal covered, yet it is reported that in 1942 it was entirely concealed to protect it from Japanese bombers. Precautions were also taken to safeguard the Taj Mahal during the wars of 1965 and 1971, including covering it with fabric. CISF personnel are assigned to ensure the security of the Taj Mahal. Security measures are heightened on significant occasions, such as Republic Day. Separate lines for male and female visitors are established for security screenings. To visit the Taj Mahal, carry an official ID like an Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving license, or passport. Items such as indoor games, playing cards, snacks, lighters, or other outdoor game equipment are prohibited. If you possess a flashlight, you may utilize it. Many visitors find that hiring a guide enhances their experience at the Taj Mahal because they provide accurate information. Your top priority when planning your visit should be to hire a tour guide.
Other Articles
History of Bhimashankar Temple
Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi
