The Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments in the world and is located in the northern Indian city of Agra. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Mughal architecture in India. The Taj Mahal is also known as the "Crown of Palaces" and is a symbol of love, beauty, and symmetry.
History
The Taj Mahal, a mausoleum in Agra, India, was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. The construction began in 1632 and took over 20 years with 20,000 workers. The monument was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri and blends Islamic, Indian, and Persian styles. It's believed to have cost over 32 million rupees, equivalent to over $1 billion USD today.
Features
The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum with four minarets and a surrounding garden. The entrance is a red sandstone gateway with intricate calligraphy and marble inlay work. The tomb chamber contains the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, enclosed by a marble screen with precious stones. The monument is famous for its symmetrical design, with perfectly aligned minarets and identical decoration on each side.