A monument that needs no introduction, a monument that has been the identity of the Indian subcontinent to the rest of the world, an Architectural masterpiece that came to be built like never before, A Symbol of true love of Shahjahan for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Yes it is indeed the quintessential Taj mahal. The Taj is a Perfect example of grace, symmetry, scale, power and beauty.
It was biggest building project of the age and undoubtedly finest piece of Mughal architecture deserving its place in the Seven Wonders of the World. More than 3 million people every year come to see this monument. The white domed marble mausoleum clad in flawless marble is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen.
The Design Principles used……
An interesting fact related to Taj Mahal is that it combines the very best of the mausoleums constructed by his predecessors. The Tomb of his own father provides model for the minarets whereas four portals are taken from his grandfather’s tomb.
The tomb is the central focus of the entire complex of the Taj Mahal. It is a large white marble structure resting on a square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building topped by a large dome and finial.
The base structure consists of multi-chambered cube with chamfered corners, forming an unequal octagon that is approximately 55 metres (180 ft) on each of the four long sides. Four minarets frame the tomb, one at each corner of the plinth facing the chamfered corners. The main chamber houses the cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan; while the actual graves are at a lower level.
Taj Mahal Structure
The marble dome that surmounts the tomb is the most spectacular feature. Its height of around 35 metres (115 ft) . , a lotus design, adorns the top as well as accentuate its height. The dome and chattris are topped by a gilded finial. In totality, this presents a fine mix of Hindustani & Persian elemental forms.
The minarets, which are each, more than 40 meters (130 ft) tall, display the designer’s penchant for symmetry. They were designed as working minarets — a traditional element of mosques, another very interesting feature of the minarets is that they are constructed slightly outside the plinth but an optical illusion trick ensures that they visually appear in perfect symmetry. Also in case of a natural calamity say earthquake the minarets would collapse away from the tomb thus saving the main complex.
Decorative Elements Used……
The Exterior decorative elements consisted of paint, stucco, stone inlays, or carvings. Also calligraphy, plant & vegetable motifs and abstract art form a part of the decorative elements. The interior decorative elements Demonstrates links between India and Europe. Mosaics of semi precious stones & gemstones known as Peitra Dora (an art form of Italy) is used extensively in case of Taj .Exquisite craftsmanship is demonstrated in this case amounting literally to paintings in stone.
Garden an integral part of the complex!!
Tajmahal also retains one of the most beautiful & largest Mughal gardens measuring 300 metres square following a charbagh plan.
Religious Symbolism –A part of the complex………
Tajmahal can be literally translated into a heavenly part which is depicted by white marble used in case of mausoleum and Red Sandstone used for the worldly buildings. Further the Mughal garden in the complex depicts the holy pool of nectar as mentioned in the Quran. Tajmahal also has significant Hindu influence visible in the decorative motifs and other design elements which reiterates religious harmony existing during the period.
Myth about Black Taj
Some foreign travelers mistook the construction undergoing on the opposite bank of Yamuna for the site of another Taj, this time in black marble. Putting all these rumors to rest ASI carried out extensive excavations on the disputed site to establish that there was no work on Black Taj, instead Black Taj was actually a reflection of the Taj in the moonlit pool of Mehtab Garden.
Concluding………
On a conclusive note, this Monument is as much a testimony to the thousands of unacknowledged craftsmen as it is of Shahjahan’s aesthetic embellishments.
Location, Timings and Charges Details:
- Location: 2 km north to Chini ka Rauza on the bank of River Yamuna. Very near to Ram Bagh circle on NH2.
- Timings: Every Day, (except Friday), Sunrise to Sunset
Night, 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM (On Full moon night, two days before and two days after).
- Day Fee: Rs 750 (Foreigners)
- Rs 510 (Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries)
- Rs 20 (Indian)
Entry Free for children below 15 years of age
- Night Fee: Rs 750 (Adult, Foreign)
- Rs 510 (Adult, Indian)
- Rs 500 (Child 3-15 Years, Indian & Foreign)
- Entry free for child below 3 years of age
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