Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments in the world and a symbol of India’s rich history.

Basic Information

• Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

• Built by: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan

• In memory of: His wife Mumtaz Mahal

• Construction period: 1632–1653 (about 21 years)

• UNESCO status: World Heritage Site (since 1983)

Architecture & Design

• Built primarily of white marble brought from Makrana, Rajasthan

• Combines Mughal, Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles

• Perfectly symmetrical structure with a large central dome

• Surrounded by four minarets, a mosque, and a guest house

• Set in a formal Charbagh (four-part) garden

Artistic Features

• Intricate marble inlay work using semi-precious stones (jade, jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise)

• Beautiful calligraphy from the Quran, which appears uniform in size due to clever optical design

• Changes color depending on light—pinkish in the morning, white during the day, golden under moonlight

Inside the Taj Mahal

• Houses the cenotaphs (symbolic tombs) of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan

• The actual graves lie in a lower, simpler chamber

• Interior is decorated with delicate carvings and stone inlay

Cultural Significance

• Considered a universal symbol of love and devotion

• One of the New Seven Wonders of the World (declared in 2007)

• Attracts millions of visitors from around the globe every year