Taj Mahal History - Taj Mahal is the most exceptional
monument that India comprises within its elegant territory. The
matchless beauty that mesmerizes all intrigues the onlookers and
made them curious about its history and emergence. There are a
lot of questions that arises in a tourist’s mind while checking
out this monument some of which we try to answer here so that you
can get sufficient knowledge about this international wonder even
before witnessing it in person.
Legends say that the house of the bursting glory Taj Mahal was a mausoleum
that was constructed by the eminent Mughal emperor Shahjahan. To give
you an insight of this international wonder we’ll give you a
brief introduction to this magnificent tourist’s site. Taj Mahal
is the most glorious mausoleum in the world which came into being with
the orders of the eminent Mughal emperor Shahjahan. The desire of constructing
a wonder of the world was aroused in his heart after giving a promise
to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz on her deathbed asked his
emperor husband to build a dome over her body which would commemorate
their tale of pure love. To accomplish this wish of his beloved wife
Shah Jahan gave orders to construct a wonder whose magnificent beauty
would be inimitable and the result was the Taj Mahal.
Shahjahan gave orders to start the construction of this enigmatic monument
in the year 1632 and employed around 20, 000 artisans and laborers
besides the architect and Mughal servicemen. All of those who were
employed including the stone-carvers, inlay craftsmen, mansions and
calligraphers were the best of their kinds and gave more than their
100% in the construction of this monument. Taj Mahal was exceptionally
embellished beyond the traditional decorative elements. Materials from
across the world were transported here under the supervision of the
Mughal servicemen with the help of around 1000 elephants which contributed
in making this enchanting white glory more beautiful. The exclusive
white marble that dominated the architecture of this monument was transferred
here especially from Makrana, Rajasthan. Whereas jasper, jade and crystal
was brought from Punjab and China respectively and likewise various
precious and semi precious stones like sapphire, turquoise etc. were
brought and used to adorn this magnificent mausoleum.
After 22 years in 1653, Shahjahan accomplished his dream of constructing
the most unique piece of art, which still is incomparable and exceptionally
stand apart from all other monuments present in the world. Subsequently,
the emperor gave orders to cut the hands of all the laborers who worked
in the construction of the Taj Mahal. The reason behind was that the
emperor wanted the mausoleum to be the only one present in this world
and was afraid that the laborers who are aware about the design and
construction would leak out and can make another mausoleum of this
After the construction of this magnificent monument and with a heavy
heart Shahjahan buried his beloved wife’s body right at the centre.
And in this way in order to commemorate his wife he monumentalized
their tale of true love and made it eternal. The hard work and the
love of a husband for his wife still shine bright via this spectacular
monument. The true feelings behind the construction let this mausoleum
be the one who still retains the enigmatic charm and mesmerizing beauty.
The legend behind the emergence of this bewitching monument melts the
heart of every traveler who visits the place.
This pure white glorious monument depicts the enchanting Mughal architecture
and stands as the diadem to India. The mere entrance of this white
mausoleum is exceptionally decorated with red sandstone which complements
the white edifice lying inside. Arch shaped doorway exceptionally enhances
the beauty of the landscape which this whole structure exhibits. The
main gate stands tall with 30 meters of height and is exceptionally
decorated with Koran verses that are beautifully inscribed on it. The
doomed pavilions on the top exhibits Hindu style of architecture and
showcases a perfect blend of Mughal as well as Hindu architecture.
The most intriguing part with this main entrance is that the script
of the Korean verses appears to be of the same size. It seems as if
the artisans were extremely skillful and intelligent it may be possible
that they have exceptionally enlarged the letters which gave it an
illusion of uniformity.
After entering you’ll come across a fascinating pavement which
is elegantly decorated with spectacular gardens in the form of a Charbagh
on each side of the pavement. At the end of the pavement there is a
raised platform where the Taj Mahal stands tall whose beauty is just
beyond description. Taj Mahal is elegantly accompanied with four minarets
that enhance the beauty of the structure all the more. The interiors
of the mausoleum incorporate a central chamber which stands as an abode
of the graves of the royal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife. Emperor’s
cenotaph lies elegantly to the left of his beloved wife but a bit higher
may be because he was a king and holds a higher position. The cenotaphs
too have inscriptions in Persian.
Right above the cenotaphs hung the Cairene lamp whose flame is believed
to never burn out. The exceptional marble screen with trellis work
fringes the grave and adds more beauty to the interiors of this enigmatic
piece of art. The dome is spectacularly inlaid with colorful semi precious
and precious stones which decorates as well as beautifies the doom
and seems perfect of the white surface of the marble. Thus it depicts
the amazing spell bounding beauty which magnetizes the visitors from
all over. The doomed ceilings are elegantly designed to echo chants
and showcases intricate work of art.
The outcome of the pure feelings – Taj Mahal is internationally
recognized as the epitome of love and remains the favorite destination
for love birds present across the world. There are a lot of myths about
this mesmerizing mausoleum one of which is that of the black Taj Mahal.
It is believed that Shah Jahan has bigger plans as he wanted to make
a replica of ‘Jannat’ (heaven) on earth. And right beside
this glorious white edifice he wanted to build a black Taj Mahal having
the same beauty and significance. But unfortunately it wasn’t
accomplished. Beside the above mentioned legend there are claims that
the place didn’t belong to the Mughals but was an ancient Shiva
temple - Tejo Mahalay (Taj Mahal). But none of the above arguments
have been proven therefore it remains as a myth.
Above was just a brief introduction to the magnificent Taj Mahal, about
its history and architecture but there is still much more than what
is being written till date. So come and witness this epitome of true
love in person and cherish the mesmerizing beauty which is just ineffable.