Taj
Mahal was constructed between 1631 A.D and 1654 A.D. The construction is
said to have been done by a workforce of 22,000 that contained among
others laborers, Naqqashi laborers, painters, stonecutters,
garden-layers, gardeners, embroidery artists and masons. The Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned its construction. It was constructed as
a mausoleum for Arjumand Begum, who was re-christened Mumtaz after her
marriage to Shah Jahan. It is said that Shah Jahan was very much pained
by the death of his favorite wife. He constructed this mausoleum so that
its pleasant site would give him solace.
The Taj Maha is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that
is a subtle blend of elements from Persian, Indian and Turkish
architecture. The Taj Mahal has achieved special note because of the
romance of its inspiration. It is wrongly perceived that only the white
domed marble mausoleum is Taj. The Taj Mahal is actually an integrated
complex of structures that contains gardens, gateways, inns and a
mosque.
Facts about Taj Mahal
Year of Starting of Construction
1631 A.D
Year of Completion
1654 A.D
Architects
Ustad Isa, Isa Mohammad Khan, Qazim Khan, Amanat Khan and Mir
Abdul Hakim among others.
Commissioner
Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan Alamgir
Workforce
More than 22,000
Architecture
Indo-Islamic; a blend of Indian and Persian
Estimated Cost
2 Million Dollars (Inflation Unadjusted)
Height of Dome
35 Meters
Height of Minarets
40 Meters
Circumference
30 Meters
Length of Pedestal
55 Meters
Breadth of Pedestal
55 Meters
Visit Time
Weeklong Except during Friday prayers
Tickets
20 IRS for Indians and 5 Dollars for Foreigners
Quick Facts about Taj Mahal :
Legend has it that Shah Jahan had planned to construct another
Taj Mahal in black marble on the other side of the river, but the
war with his sons interrupted his plans.
Some people think that Geronimo Veroneo, an Italian, designed the
Taj Mahal.
Supposedly, there are two staircases on the northern side of the
red sandstone plinth that lead into a basement containing 17
chambers, with a third crypt in the center.
Some important studies feel that the Taj Mahal is sinking.
The name Taj Mahal when translated means "Crown Palace"
or "Crown of the Palace."
Some think that the changing colors of the tomb depict the
different moods of a woman.
Taj
Mahal was constructed between 1631 A.D and 1654 A.D. The construction is
said to have been done by a workforce of 22,000 that contained among
others laborers, Naqqashi laborers, painters, stonecutters,
garden-layers, gardeners, embroidery artists and masons. The Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned its construction. It was constructed as
a mausoleum for Arjumand Begum, who was re-christened Mumtaz after her
marriage to Shah Jahan. It is said that Shah Jahan was very much pained
by the death of his favorite wife. He constructed this mausoleum so that
its pleasant site would give him solace.
