The Astounding Architecture of India's Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable buildings in the world. Located in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal was built in the early 1600s by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Today, the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year.

While the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly a masterpiece of architecture, it is also a fascinating building with a rich history. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Taj Mahal, exploring its architecture, history, and meaning.

The Taj Mahal is often described as a “poem in stone,” and it’s easy to see why. The building is an absolute masterpiece of design, symmetry, and proportion. Every aspect of the Taj Mahal’s architecture has been carefully considered and executed.

The Taj Mahal is built of white marble, a material that was chosen for its symbolic meaning. White is the color of mourning in India, and it was thought to be a fitting choice for a mausoleum. The marble is also incredibly resistant to the harsh Indian climate, which was another important consideration.

The Taj Mahal is an immense building, measuring nearly 73 meters (240 feet) tall. The building is set on a raised platform that is itself nearly 35 meters (115 feet) tall. This platform is surrounded by four minarets, each over 50 meters (164 feet) tall.

The main chamber of the Taj Mahal contains the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. The tomb is surrounded by a marble screen that is intricately carved with floral and geometric designs. The tomb itself is simple and elegant, befitting the life of Mumtaz Mahal.

Next to the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal is the tomb of Shah Jahan. Shah Jahan’s tomb is identical to his wife’s, except that it is decorated with black marble instead of white.

The Taj Mahal is an incredible building, and its architecture is truly astounding. But the Taj Mahal is more than just a beautiful building – it’s also a symbol of love, loss, and mourning. The Taj Mahal is a reminder that even in the midst of great sadness, there can be beauty.