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Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the 7th wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.

Shah Jahan (real name Khurram) was the fifth Mughal emperor and most prolific builder in Indian history. Son of Jahangir and grandson of Akbar, he became ruler in 1627 at the age of 35 years.

In 1612, Mumtaz Mahal (real name Arjumad Banu Begam) was married to Shah Jahan. This marriage was real love-match, and she was her husband's inseparable companion on all his journeys and military expeditions.

Lovers die, but love shall not and death shall have no dominion.

TajMahal, a dream etched in milky white pristine marble is the peerless monument portraying the beauty of eternal love! A commemoration of the memory of Shahjahan's beloved wife, Mumtaz. Taj Mahal is indeed India's rich tribute to womanhood. Renowned for its aesthetic beauty, this extravagant building of timeless beauty is the outcome of a unique combination of passion and architectural exuberance.

The most romantic tomb ever created, the Taj Mahal houses the tombs of the emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. This wonderful marble edifice took over 21 years to make and is the finest jewel of art and architecture of the Mughal period.
Laid in the formal design of Islamic gardens, the tomb is set on the banks of the river Yamuna, its massive dome and minarets reflecting in the waters of the river aswell as the water channels of the garden.

The pure white marble of the tomb takes on the subtle changes in sunshine, and indeed moon light, and seems to change colour throughout the day and night. The tomb is usually open from morning till sundown, but during the full moon, the tomb and its gardens are left open to the public so that we can all enjoy the pearly white Taj in milky Moon light of the full moon. It is a marvellous sight to behold at any time of the year and is a magnet for lovers from around the world.

The Taj Mahal is a deserving resting palace for an Emperor's Empress. It stands on the banks of the river Yamuna, which otherwise serves as a wide moat defending the Great Red Fort of Agra, the center of the Mughal emperors until they moved their capital to Delhi in 1637. It was built by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in 1631 in memory of his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian princess. She died while accompanying her husband in Burhanpur in a campaign to crush a rebellion after giving birth to their 14th child.

Wonder of the World
To people the world over, the Taj Mahal, mausoleum of Mughal Emperor shah Jahan'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.

Shah Jahan, "The King Of The World"
Prince qhurram was the fifth son of emperor Jahangir. He was the man of extraordinary brilliance, a great diplomat, a warrior and a lover of art. Once Jahangir wrote, "In art, in reason, in battle there is no comparison between him and my other children". In the honor of his numerous victories Jahangir entitled him as "Shah Jahan", "The King of the World". After Jahangir's death all his sons quarreled for the thrown, after fighting for years Shah Jahan killed all his brothers under suspicious circumstances and became the emperor, besides him stood his queen, comrade and confidante.

Mumtaz Mahal "The chosen one of the palace"
Shah Jahan titled her "Mumtaz Mahal", "The chosen one of the palace". A rare found combination of beauty and brain. She was her husband's best friend and confidante. She would counsel him in the diplomatic matters. She too was a great lover of art.

Build me a Taj
As Mumtaz Mahal lay dying, she asked four promises from the emperor First - that he build the Taj, Second - that he should marry again, Third - that he be kind to their children & Fourth - that he visit the tomb on her death anniversary. He kept the first and second promises. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 22 years. Twenty thousand people were deployed to work on it. The principal architect was the Iranian architect Istad Usma it is possible that the pietra dura work was coordinated by an Italian artist.

The story of Taj Mahal reflects the intensity of love. The fairy tale began when walking through the bazaar of Agra prince qhurram saw a girl. The girl was exceptionally beautiful. It was a love at first sight for both of them. After five years, on an auspicious day they were married and from that moment began the great epic of love.