Who Built the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic buildings in the world, was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled over India from 1628 to 1658. Shah Jahan is known for his patronage of the arts, and the Taj Mahal is considered to be his greatest masterpiece. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, and it took over 20 years to complete. Thousands of craftsmen and laborers were involved in its construction, and it is estimated that the building cost the equivalent of over a billion US dollars in today’s currency.
The Mughal Emperor’s Inspiration
Shah Jahan was inspired to build the Taj Mahal by his love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal died during childbirth in 1631, and Shah Jahan was devastated by her death. He decided to build a grand monument in her memory, one that would be a symbol of their love and devotion to each other. The Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest example of Mughal architecture, a style that was characterized by its elaborate decoration and use of marble and precious stones.
What is the Taj Mahal Made Of?
The Taj Mahal is made of white marble, which was quarried in Makrana, Rajasthan. The marble was transported to Agra, where it was carved and polished by skilled artisans. The Taj Mahal also contains precious stones, such as jade, crystal, and lapis lazuli, which were used to decorate the building’s walls and dome. The building’s interior is decorated with intricate carvings and inlaid with semi-precious stones, such as agate and amethyst.
Design Elements of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is renowned for its perfect symmetry and its beautiful proportions. The building is surrounded by four minarets, which are each 40 meters tall. The main dome of the Taj Mahal is 73 meters high, and it is surrounded by smaller domes and chhatris. The building is also surrounded by a large garden, which is laid out in a typical Mughal style, with fountains, water channels, and flowers.
Symbolism Behind the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is full of symbolism, which reflects the Mughal Emperor’s love for his wife. The building’s white marble represents purity and innocence, while the precious stones symbolize the wealth and power of the Mughal Empire. The garden surrounding the Taj Mahal is laid out in the shape of a paradise garden, which is a symbol of the Garden of Eden. The building’s main dome represents the heavens, while the minarets represent the earthly world.
The Mughal Emperor’s Family Burial Site
The Taj Mahal is not just a monument to the love of the Mughal Emperor and his wife, it is also the burial site for the emperor’s family. Mumtaz Mahal is buried in the main chamber of the Taj Mahal, while Shah Jahan was buried next to her after his death. Other members of the Mughal royal family are also buried in the building.
Tourists at the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India, attracting millions of visitors every year. Tourists come from all over the world to see the building’s beautiful architecture and to learn about its history and symbolism. The Indian government has implemented measures to limit the number of visitors to the Taj Mahal, in order to protect the building from damage.
Maintenance of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal requires constant maintenance, in order to preserve its beauty and prevent damage. The building is regularly cleaned and repaired by a team of skilled workers, who use traditional techniques to maintain the building’s historic character. The Indian government has also implemented measures to protect the building from pollution and other environmental threats.
UNESCO Heritage Site Status
The Taj Mahal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, in recognition of its cultural significance and its outstanding universal value. The building is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Mughal architecture, and it is recognized around the world as a symbol of love and devotion.
Controversies Surrounding the Taj Mahal
In recent years, the Taj Mahal has been the subject of controversy, with some politicians and religious groups claiming that it is a symbol of Muslim rule over India. These claims have sparked debate and protests, with some calling for the building to be destroyed or altered. However, the Indian government has rejected these calls and has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the Taj Mahal as a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Myths and Legends of the Taj Mahal
There are many myths and legends associated with the Taj Mahal. One popular legend claims that Shah Jahan planned to build a black Taj Mahal for himself, as a mirror image of the white building for his wife. However, this legend has been debunked by historians, who have found no evidence to support it. Other legends claim that the building is haunted, or that it was built by aliens.
Future of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is an iconic building that has stood the test of time, but it faces many challenges in the future. Pollution, tourism, and environmental threats are all risks to the building’s long-term survival. However, the Indian government and UNESCO are working together to protect the Taj Mahal and to ensure that it remains a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy.
