A majestic white marble mausoleum, which was built in the memory of a lady, Taj Mahal isn’t just a monument built in the medieval era. The world has accepted this fact that this white building is a symbol of love. Perhaps one of the most stunning monuments, it still stands with the same glory, telling the story of an eternal love which Shah Jahan had for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. You can plan out your visit on any weekend day to Agra.
People do crazy things when they are in love. This craziness has created history and gave a different perspective to the world. This symbolization of love with the majestic monuments, spending a massive amount of money, has made Taj a world-famous building and has given India a unique place on the map of global tourism. Among the top visiting tourist places in India, Taj attracts people of all ages from everywhere, local to a foreigner. This architectural wonder, shining white looks incredible during sunset and sunrise. People specially come to witness the eternal beauty of this monument during these two phases of the day.
Read here – How to Plan Agra trip?
Facts & Information about Taj Mahal
- Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble monument.
- It is located on the bank of the Yamuna river in Agra.
- The then Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned to build Taj Mahal in 1632.
- The construction of Taj Mahal finished in 1653.
- Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was the chief architecture. He was from Iran.
- Taj is a blend of Mughal and Persian architecture.
- The total area is 17 hectares.
- The estimated cost of this monument is 32 million Indian rupees which are around $827 million.
- Around 20,000 people were employed for the construction.
- UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1983.
- It won a place in 7 Wonders of the World (2000-2007).
- Humayun’s Tomb is believed to be the inspiration behind this marvelous piece of Mughal architecture.
- Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb is called Baby Taj.
- The height of the dome is around 35 meters (also called onion dome).
- The final of the monument built of gold. In the 19th century, it was later replaced with bronze.
- The minarets are standing at a height of 40 meters.
- The name is taken from Mumtaz Mahal.
What makes Taj a symbol of love?
An eternal emblem of love, Mughal Emperor desired to build the most beautiful monument of the world in the memory of his wife who died that year. The architecture, artists, and all others who were involved in the construction put their hearts and created a masterpiece which later became a symbol of love for the world. From newly married couples to old, everyone comes here to witness the wonderful building.
The story says Agra used to be the capital of the Mughal dynasty. As per the story, one day Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) saw a girl in Meena bazaar and fell in love with her at very first sight. Shah Jahah asked Jahangir (his father) if he could marry that girl. Upon approval, he married her. She was just 15 but she married at 19.
Her name was Arjumand Banu Begum and the emperor named her Mumtaz Mahal. She died while delivering their 14th child due to weakness. This incident saddened Shah Jahan. The condolence was announced for two long years. It is said that on her deathbed, she asked the king to build a mausoleum that had never been built or seen before. However, the king was very depressed and he separated himself from everyone. They had been married for 19 years. For eight days, the king isolated himself in his room without proper food.
He had already promised Mumtaz that he would make the most beautiful monument for her. And that’s how this monument was referred to as a symbol of love if the story is to be believed. The monument has been a theme of several songs, love poems; Bollywood gave it a shot in movies several times. In the words of Rabindranath Tagore, “Taj Mahal is a teardrop on the cheek of the universe.”
