History of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic monuments in the world. It draws millions of tourists every year and serves as a symbol of the Mughal empire’s cultural legacy.
There are some lesser-known facts about the Taj Mahal that are fascinating to learn about.
The Taj Mahal was commissioned and built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Construction began back in 1632 and would eventually take 20 years to complete. It was designed to be a memorial tomb for his third wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to the couple’s 14th child. The building is made of marble inlaid with precious and semiprecious stones all of which had to be shipped from distant lands such as India, Persia, and Central Asia.
Top Places to Visit in Kasauli – A Complete Travel Guide
Design and Craftsmanship
· First, the Taj Mahal was built using a combination of 20 different materials from across India and beyond — including white marble, sandstone, jasper, and jade. This impressive variety of material was used in order to create a stunning effect that blends seamlessly together.
· Second, the architectural design of the Taj Mahal is complex and intricate — with geometric shapes and patterns used to create a sense of balance and harmony in its design. The interior geometry has never been seen before or since, adding to its mystique.
· Third, symbolism and colour theory were also employed in the creation of this monument — with different colours symbolizing different meanings. Green was used to symbolize prosperity and fertility while yellow was chosen for its recognition as a royal colour at the time.
· Fourth, one of the most incredibly detailed features found within the Taj Mahal are its exquisite marble mosaics. These inlaid marble mosaics are believed to have been constructed by craftsmen from around India who were brought together specifically for this project.
· Fifth, as well as being architecturally beautiful inside and out, the surrounding landscape has been designed with incredible thoughtfulness too — with concentric gardens filled with lush greenery and majestic fountains shooting up into the air creating a truly breathtaking view.
Intricate Decoration
· First, you may not know that much of the interior design of the Taj Mahal features painted plasterwork and marble detailing. These exquisite artworks are often adorned with detailed floral patterns and geometric designs. The ceiling also boasts some incredible motifs which were created using jali walls – a type of stone carving technique which originates from India.
· Additionally, there is a hidden garden within the grounds of the Taj Mahal which remains largely forgotten by visitors.
· This beautiful oasis is located in a corner of one of the courts surrounding it and is home to many different species of plants and trees.
· It adds to the allure of this revered historical monument as well as offering an escape from bustling crowds outside.
As if these details weren't impressive enough, recent technological advancements have revealed four chambers tucked away beneath one of its minarets – two on each side! In order to access each chamber, one must crawl through a narrow opening in order to reach them – truly mindboggling! The purpose of these chambers remains a mystery although some believe they were used for storage or communication with distant lands during India’s Mughal period.
Top 20 Hill Stations Near Chennai
Unusual Features
· Did you know that the Taj Mahal contains a secret chamber? This hidden chamber is located deep within the mausoleum's walls, and it is believed to hold precious artifacts relating to the empress Mumtaz Mahal.
· Another unique feature of the Taj Mahal are its four soaring towers. These towers are based on Islamic architectural styles, with each one representing one of the four main directions on a compass: North, South, East and West.
· You may also have noticed that intricate marble inlays adorn much of the exterior of the building. This decoration was used to create a detailed floral pattern over the entire facade, adding an elegant aesthetic touch to this already stunning structure.
· One of the most impressive features inside the Taj Mahal is its prayer hall. Here, visitors can take in some truly breathtaking decorations made from precious stones such as jade and agate.
In addition to its stunning interior design, special garden paths have been laid out throughout the grounds for visitors to enjoy. These paths are punctuated by water features which use reflections from nearby rivers, such as those from Yamuna flowing just outside of Agra city walls.
Tales & Legends Surrounding the Taj Mahal
The mystery surrounding the construction of the Taj Mahal remains largely unsolved. While it is widely believed that it was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an eternal tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, there has never been any concrete evidence that definitively proves who built it or how long it took them to do so.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Gulmarg for Your Next Trip
· The Taj Mahal also has an unusual connection to Lord Shiva, since one of its four minarets points directly towards the Gangotri Glacier, which is believed to be where Shiva released his Ganges River.
· This has led many scholars to believe that Lord Shiva himself had some part in constructing this majestic monument.
· A lesser-known Kurdish tale tells of a mysterious spiritual advisor who advised Emperor Shah Jahan about how he should build the Taj Mahal in order to honour Mumtaz Mahal’s memory for eternity.
· According to legend, this spiritual advisor was none other than Lord Shiva himself!
· Interestingly enough, there is also an exact replica of the Taj Mahal located in Fujian province in China which was built nearly 500 years prior!
Wrap Up
The conservation efforts at the Taj Mahal highlight our responsibility as citizens of India towards safeguarding our rich cultural heritage. As we strive towards preserving this grand monument for future generations, let us remind ourselves that it is our collective responsibility towards maintaining its beauty and keeping its story alive!
