In
December 1631, the fifth Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, commenced
the construction of one of the greatest monuments of all
time, the Taj Mahal. It is a mausoleum built in the memory
of his beloved and favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, fulfilling
one of the promises that he made to her as she lay on her
deathbed.
Taj Mahal
is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world. Known
the world over for its natural and architectural beauty;
the Taj Mahal is the most beautiful monument built by the
Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Built entirely of white
marble; the Taj Mahal sparkles in the light of the full
moon day (Purnima) in India. On a foggy morning during winters,
the visitors can experience the Taj Mahal as if suspended
in the air when viewed from across the Jamuna river.
The construction
of Taj Mahal took a period of 22 years, employing 20 thousand
workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. under the supervision
of Ustad 'Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time.
Expert artists from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, and Multan were
employed for the massive construction of Taj Mahal. In addition
to this India team of artists; many renowned Muslim craftsmen
from Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara worked on many specialized
tasks.
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Wonder of the
World |
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To
people the world over, the Taj Mahal, mausoleum of
Mughal Emperor shah Jana's chief wife, Mumtaz Mahal,
is synonymous with India. Its curving, gently swelling
dome and the square base upon which its rests so lightly
is a familiar image from hundreds of brochures and
travel books. |
| The
Taj is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular buildings
of the world. Renowned for its architectural magnificence
and aesthetic beauty, it counts among man's proudest
creations and is invariably included in the list of
the world's foremost wonders. As a tomb, it has no
match upon earth, for mortal remains have never been
housed in greater grandeur. |
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