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History of Taj Mahal

Experiencing the Taj Mahal without being cognizant of its history is grossly irrelevant and absurd. The extravagant expression has not come easy. There underlays an ocean of emotions and a wild passion that led the king to erect such a masterpiece in snow-white marble. It's a monument, the only one, where perhaps, ever inch of the edifice, from one corner to the other, expresses the beauty of Mumtaz Mahal. Mughal emperor's Shah Jahan's intense feelings and warmheartedness can be felt at the very first instant as you arrive here to fix your gaze upon one of the most phenomenal structures in the world. History of Taj mahal

 FACTS ON TA J MAHAL

Few people know that the name Taj Mahal was given to thi$ mausoleum by European

travellers. In this contemporary chronicles it was known as the Illuminated Tomb

(Rauza-1 Manawwara) and was built between 1632 and 1643.

6.2.1 Plan

The plan of the Taj can be described as follows:

The Taj is situated on a raised platform at the southern end of a four-quartered garden.

The locality in which Taj Mahal is situated in the Agra city is known as Mumtazabad

after the queen Mumtaz Mahal.

Taj complex has been designed on grid pattern.

Beginning from north, the first composition is a red sand-stone forecourt known as

chowk-i iilo k h a i~n c hronicles. It was intended for the royal.retinue.

Next is a 30 m. high red sand-stone gateway through which one enters the garden

complex on which the main building-Taj Mahal-is located.

Through the gate enuy is made to a four-part garden"divided into quadrangles by

waterways. They meet in the centre in a large tank. The model of this garden is the

mythical garden of paradise. .

The northern end of this garden has the Taj Mahal. Western plank of Taj is a mosque

in red sand-stone and the eastern flank is its replice.

In the centre of the platform is Taj Mahal with eacb comer having one four-storied

marble minaret.

 Stylistic Detail

Besides the plan and layout, a good guide must also know the stylistic details of the

monument being described. In the case of Taj these are:

Taj is planned on the pattern of Humayun's Tomb. It is Timurid in style.

The exterior is white marble with a sparing use of inlay work in coloured stones.

Qurantic verses in black calligraphy are inlaid on th# marble sukkce.

i

The main mansoleum is octagonal and contains, in the centre, the grave of Mumtaz

Mahal. Shahjahan's grave is by the side of the central grave.

Originally the graves were surrounded by a gold screen designed by Shdi Jjtlhan's

goldsmith Bebadal Khan. Later, for fear of theft or loot, it was replaced by Shah

Jahan with a carved and latticed marble screen.

 Decoration

Exry monument has ce.min decorative aspects which should be brought to the knowledge

of tourists/visitors. For example:

The decorative device envisaged for Taj Mahal gives a prominent place to the play of

light on the marble surface of the structure.

On the lower portions of the srmcture'there are carved-floral panels.

Above these panels are a series of floral motifs in inlaia coloured stones. Main

flowers depicted there are narcissus, roses and tulips.

These are the flowers which have been used in Par* mystic poetry to describe the

features of the beloved.

Describing a Monument:

Taj Mahal

The carvings and inlaid patterns have been designed in such manner as to give

prominence to the white marble surface, rather than overshadowing it.