2 months ago 20th Jun 15:30
Exploring a tomb might not be everyone’s idea of a great day out, but when you think of India, you picture the Taj Mahal; exactly why this huge mausoleum is an imperative stop on any trip to India.
The Taj Mahal, an embodiment of love and romance, is located in the city of Agra, approximately 204 km to the south of Delhi. The complex itself is huge, and is made up of five main constituents, Darwaza (The main gateway) Bageecha (The gardens) Masjid (The mosque) Naqqar Khana (The rest house) and Rauza (The main mausoleum.)
Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, the Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and is recognised as a jewel of Muslim art in India.
The focus of the Taj Mahal is the white marble tomb, which stands on a square plinth consisting of a symmetrical building with an arch-shaped doorway, topped by a large dome.
The interior chamber is an octagon with the design allowing entry from each face, the interior wall are about 25 metres high and are topped with false dome which is decorated with a sun motif. The walls are adorned with gemstones which form flowers, fruit and vines.
Ever since its construction, the building has been the source of an admiration transcending culture and geography.
As the Taj Mahal is essentially a burial ground, it is surprising to find it so well decorated, as Muslim tradition forbids elaborate decoration of graves. However, the tomb of Shah Jahan and his wife is a relatively plain crypt beneath the inner chamber, where, a major irony in this wonderful construction is found.
The man who comissioned this magnificent monument designed it entirely around the concept of symmetry, but sadly, he never planned his own tomb, therefore is himself responsible for ultimately making it asymmetrical as his tomb, which lies next to that of Mumtaz Mahal, is bigger than his wife's in order to incorporate his larger cenotaph.
Regardless of whether it is symmetrical or not, the picture we most associate with the Taj Mahal is that of the huge raised marble water tank at the centre of the garden which reflects the glorious image of the Taj Mahal; it is such a well recognised image all over that world that it is obvious that ever since its construction, the building has been the source of an admiration transcending culture and geography.
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