Know Tajmahal

Taj Mahal Facts Any person, visiting or planning to visit the Taj Mahal, is interested to know more about the Taj Mahal. There are many queries and questions about the Taj Mahal- who built the Taj, why was it built, when can I visit…in fact, there is no end to such queries. This section on the "Taj Mahal facts" is intended to provide you a quick knowledge about this great monument of love. Read on to get some quick information about Taj Mahal and Agra… Year of Construction: 1631 Completed In: 1653 Time Taken: 22 years Built By: Shah Jahan Dedicated to: Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Bano Begum), the wife of Shah Jahan Location: Agra (Uttar Pradesh) Building Type: Islamic tomb Architecture: Islamic Cost of Construction: 32 crore rupees Number of workers: 20,000 Highlights: One of the Seven Wonders of the World A UNESCO World Heritage site Timings: 6:00 am to 7:30 pm (Friday closed) Fee: Rs 970 (Foreigners) Rs 20 (Indians, during daytime) Rs 110 (Indians, during sunrise and sunset) In the following lines, we have mentioned some more Taj Mahal trivia: • • • • • • •

Before his accession to the throne, Shah Jahan was popularly known as Prince Khurram. Shah Jahan fell in love with the beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum and married her, making her his third wife. Arjumand Bano Begum christened by Shah Jahan as Mumtaz Mahal, meaning the "chosen one". Shah Jahan lost Mumtaz Mahal when she got giving birth to their 14h child. It is believed that in her last breath Mumtaz secured a promise from Shah Jahan that he would construct the most beautiful monument in the her memory. For the transportation of the construction materials, more than 1,000 elephants were made use of. As many as 28 different varieties of semi-precious and precious stones were used to adorn the Taj with exquisite inlay work.

History of Taj Mahal The history of the Taj Mahal tells us "why was the Taj Mahal built" and many other myths and facts associated with this wonderful structure. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan erected the Taj Mahal in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan (then Prince Khurram) met Mumtaz Mahal (then Arjumand Banu Begum) at the age of fourteen and fell in love at the first sight. She was a Muslim Persian princess and Shah Jahan was the son of the Mughal Emperor, Jehangir. Five years later, in 1612, they got married. As you read further you will come to know more about the history of the Taj Mahal at Agra… Mumtaz Mahal, an inseparable companion of Shah Jahan, died in 1631, while giving birth to their 14th child. It is believed that during her last moments, Mumtaz Mahal obtained a promise from Shah Jahan that he will build world's most beautiful monument in her memory. But this has not been proven to be true, till date. However, Shah Jahan did indeed build a magnificent monument as a tribute to her wife, which we today know as the "Taj Mahal". Shah Jahan, himself also, lies entombed in this mausoleum along with his wife. The construction of Taj Mahal started in the year 1631 and it took approximately 22 years to build it. An epitome of love, it made use of the services of 22,000 laborers and 1,000 elephants. It was built entirely out of white marble, which was brought in from all over India and central Asia. After an expenditure of approximately 32 million rupees (approx US $68000), Taj Mahal was finally completed in the year 1653. However, the history of Taj Mahal of India still has some gaps. For example, there are many theories regarding the architect of this magnificent monument.

Taj Mahal Story

Male Protagonist: Shah Jahan (Prince Khurram) Female Protagonist: Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Banu Begum) Shah Jahan met Mumtaz Mahal and fell in love. He married her after five years and they were leading a very happy life. While giving birth to their last child, Mumtaz Mahal died due to some complications. A few years later Shah Jahan built the world's most beautiful monument "Taj Mahal" in the memory of his wife. One of the wonders of the world "Taj Mahal" has a beautiful love story behind its construction. Taj Mahal love story is about Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan, initially named Prince Khurram, took birth in the year 1592. The son of Jehangir, the fourth Mughal emperor of India, he fell in love in Arjumand Banu Begum at first time. At that time he was 14 years old and she, a Muslim Persian princess, was 15. After meeting her, Shah Jahan went back to his father and declared that he wanted to marry her. Read on to know more about the love story behind Taj Mahal of Agra… The match got solemnized after five years i.e., in the year 1612. Shah Jahan became the Emperor in the year 1628 and entrusted Arjumand Banu with the royal seal. He also bestowed her with the tile of Mumtaz Mahal, meaning the "Jewel of the Palace". Though Shah Jahan had other wives also, but, Mumtaz Mahal was his favorite and accompanied him everywhere, even on military campaigns. In the year 1631, when Mumtaz Mahal was giving birth to their 14th child, she died due to some complications. It is said that Shah Mahal was so heartbroken after her death that he ordered the court into morning for two years. Some time after her death, Shah Jahan undertook the task of erecting the world's most beautiful monument in the memory of his beloved. It took 22 years and the labor of 22,000 workers to construct the monument, which is also said to be the last wish of Mumtaz Mahal. This magnificent monument came to be known as "Taj Mahal" and now counts amongst the Seven Wonders of the World. This is the true story of the Taj Mahal of India, which has mesmerized many people with its bewitching beauty.

Taj Mahal Architecture A beautifully laid out walled garden encloses the magnificent monument "Taj Mahal". The entire Taj complex consists of five major constituents, namely

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Darwaza (The main gateway) • Bageecha (The gardens) • Masjid (The mosque) • Naqqar Khana (The rest house) • Rauza (The main mausoleum) Taj Mahal architecture is a kind of fusion of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. The main gateway, with its domed central chamber, is situated at the end of the long watercourse. On one side of the Taj Mahal is the Mosque and on the other, the Naqqar Khana, built mainly to maintain its symmetry. The main building, that of the Taj itself, stands on a raised, square platform with its four abridged corners, forming an unequal octagon. The architecture of Taj Mahal of Agra has made use of the interlocking arabesque concept. As per this concept, each element maintains its own identity and yet perfectly merges with the main structure. The principles of self-replicating geometry, along with symmetry of architectural elements are also seen in the design and layout of Taj Mahal. The four 162.5 feet minarets have been consciously shortened a bit to emphasize the faintly spherical dome. The central dome, 58 feet in diameter and 213 feet in height, stand bordered with four subsidiary domed chambers. A shadowy burial crypt inside the Taj Mahal houses the tombs of Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Above these tombs is the main chamber that has the false tombs, typical of mausoleums of the Mughals. Perforated marble screens were used to transmit light into the central chamber. A major irony behind Taj Mahal is that the man who got this magnificent monument built is himself responsible for disturbing its symmetry. His tomb, which lies next to that of Mumtaz Mahal, was never planned and deranges Taj's interior.

Taj Mahal Impressions Taj Mahal impressions consist of the things that people have said after experiencing the magnificence of this outstanding monument. From awe to delight to sheer ecstasy, impressions of Taj Mahal depict each and every conceivable feeling. Some of the famous sayings about Taj Mahal are as follows:

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"It appears like a perfect pearl on an azure ground. The effect is such I have never experienced from any work of art." British painter Hodges

"I cannot tell what I think. I do not know how to criticize such a building but I can tell what I feel. I would die tomorrow to have such another over me." British officer, Colonel Sleeman's wife •

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"The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs and makes sun and moon shed tears from their eyes. In this world this edifice has been made to display, thereby, the Creator's glory." Shah Jahan (Badshah Nama)

"Did you ever build a castle in the Air? Here is one, brought down to earth and fixed for the wonder of ages". American novelist, Bayard Taylor

"If I had never done anything else in India, I have written my name here, and the letters are a living joy." Lord Curzon, the British Governor-General

"You know Shah Jahan, life and youth, wealth and glory, they all drift away in the current of time. You strove therefore, to perpetuate only the sorrow of your heart? Let the splendor of diamond, pearl and ruby vanish? Only let this one teardrop, this Taj Mahal, glisten spotlessly bright on the cheek of time, forever and ever." Rabindranath Tagore

Taj Mahal Main Gateway Height: 93 Ft High Period of Construction: 1632-1638 The main gateway of the Taj Mahal is one of the five main elements of this magnificent monument. Adorned with Hindu motifs, the Taj gateway is a tall niche doorway in the

shape of an ogival arch that rises till the mid-height of the structure. With a vertical symmetry, the main gateway of Taj Mahal stands bordered with Arabic calligraphy of verses from the Quran, made up of black stone. Entwined flowers, mainly red lotus ones, leaves and vines ornament the sloping sides of the niche. These motifs were formed by semi-precious stones inlaid in the marble. Further beautifying the gateway to the Taj is an image of a white teardrop with a red trident, located above the pointed tip of the niche. When the gateway was under construction, this frontal gateway served as the main entrance. All these motifs of the gateway reflect a Hindu touch. The flowers, vines, and leaves that are sinuous and idealized rather than geometric, the red lotus flowers that represent Lord Brahma, etc all point towards a Hindu influence in the construction of Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal Mosque On the western side of the Taj Mahal is a mosque, made up of red sandstone. Used for prayer purposes, the mosque faces the direction of the holy city of Mecca. The boundary near the well of the Taj Mahal mosque has a small stone enclosure, which housed the remains of Mumtaz Mahal before they were interned in the mausoleum. Adorned with pietra dura on the outside, the mosque in Taj Mahal of Agra, boasts of 4 octagonal towers and 3 elegant domes. The sparkling floor is made up of a material that appears to be velvet red in shade and is covered with 539 prayer carpets. The interiors of the mosque are inscribed with delicate calligraphy citing the name Allah and quotations from scriptures. There is also a replica of the Masjid of the Taj Mahal of India, standing opposite to it. However, it was never used for prayer purposes.

Shah Jahan Born In: 1628 Died In: 1658

Achievements: Founder of the magnificent monument "Taj Mahal" Shah Jahan was the son of Mughal Emperor Jehangir and was originally known as Prince Khurram. After being declared as the Emperor officially, he assumed the title of Abul Muzaffar Shahbuddin Muhammad Sahib-i Kiran-i Sani. However, he was known as Shah Jahan. The first aggression he faced after ascending the throne was from Jujhar Singh, son of Bir Singh Deo, the Bundela chief. After an initial surrender, he rebelled again and was finally killed by the Gonds. A major revolt for Shah Jahan came in the year 1628 by Khan Jahan Lodi, who united with the ruler of Ahmednagar and revolted. By the year 1630, Khan Jahan gave up the revolt and died near the fort of Kalanjar. Another thing that changed with Shah Jahan's accession was the Deccan policy of the Mughals, which resulted in a suspicion of their alliance with the Shia rulers of Persia. The problem solved with the death of Malik Ambar. In 1631, Mughal army laid a failed siege on Bijapur and in 1633, won the fort of Daulatabad. Read on this Shah Jahan biography further to know more about this great emperor… The most significant part of Shah Jahan life history is building of the one of the world's most beautiful monument "The Taj Mahal". Shah Jahan fell in love with Arjumand Banu Begum at first sight, when he was in his teens only. Five years later he married her and gave her the name of "Mumtaz Mahal". From that time onwards, she became his inseparable companion, accompanying him even on military ventures. After she died while giving birth to their 14th child, Shah Jahan undertook the work of constructing world's most beautiful monument in her memory. This monument, which entombs Mumtaz Mahal as well as Shah Jahan, came to be known as "Taj Mahal". Shah Jahan fell ill in September 1657 and taking advantage of this opportunity, one of his son's, Aurangzeb, took over the throne and imprisoned him. Shah Jahan died in 1666 in captivity only and was entombed, along with his favorite wife, inside the Taj Mahal.

Mumtaz Mahal Mumtaz Mahal was the third wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It was in her memory that he built the magnificent monument of love and romance, known as the "Taj Mahal". Mumtaz Mahal, a Muslim Persian Princess, was originally known as Arjumand Banu Begum. So enthralling was her beauty that Shah Jahan (then Prince Khurram) fell

in love with her at the first sight. Their marriage was solemnized five years later and from then on, started one of the most popular love stories of the world. Although she was the third wife of Shah Jahan, but at the same time, she was also his favorite. He even bestowed her with the name Mumtaz Mahal and the highest honor of the land - the royal seal, Mehr Uzaz. Mumtaz Mahal became an inseparable companion of her husband till her death. She even accompanied him on his military endeavors and provided him with her counsel. Infact, she was a pillar of support, love and comfort to the emperor. Mumtaz Mahal gave birth to fourteen children of Shah Jahan. It was during the birth of their 14th child only that she left for the holy abode. It is said that she obtained a promise from Shah Jahan that he will build world's most beautiful monument in her memory. Whether this was true or not, but, Shah Jahan did build a magnificent monument as a tribute to her life. Today, it counts amongst the Seven Wonders of the World and is known as "The Taj Mahal".

Taj Mahal Night Tour Many poetic illustrations have often been made around the Taj Mahal at moonlit nights. However, the thought of spending a night at Taj Mahal is merely a dream. This is because the monument is closed for public viewing at night and Taj Mahal night tour is not allowed. Some time back, Supreme Court of India did allow the opening of Taj Mahal at night, at full moon nights in specific months. However, this practice has now been discontinued. But, even though you cannot visit the monument at night, we can tell you "how to spend a night at Taj"… The beauty of the Taj comes up as outstanding whenever you visit, whether its early morning or afternoon or evening. But, its splendor during nighttime, especially at moonlit nights, is beyond the scope of words. The rays of the moon light up the entire monument and lend it a faint silvery glow. Taj Mahal looks so mesmerizing on a full moon night that you will not even notice how the night passed and the sun came to bathe it in shades of pink.

Inside the Taj Mahal

The real Taj Mahal consists of the mausoleum that is situated approximately 900 feet (275 m) away from the main entrance. Standing at the opposite end of the magnificent Taj gardens, it rises to a height of almost 200 feet (76m). At the lowest level of the Taj is a red sandstone platform that was built to level the land. Above that is the marble podium that serves as the base of the mausoleum. On the corners of the marble platform are four minarets that are almost 138 ft high and capped with eight windowed cupolas. As far as the view inside the Taj Mahal is concerned, it is as magnificent as its exterior. All the porticos of the tomb consist of huge iwans (a sort of arched gateways) that are adorned with exquisite calligraphy. The angles of the tomb consist of semi-octagonal arched alcoves of equal size. Attached pilasters rising from the base of the tomb demark each of the porticos, on both the sides. These pilasters rise above the fresco and are topped with beautiful pinnacles with lotus buds and finials. As we move further to get Taj Mahal inside look, we will come across an elevated central chamber, a crypt immediately below this and four octagonal corner rooms. These rooms were initially meant to house the graves of the other members of the royal family. In the central chamber is placed the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal and that of Shah Jahan, to the left and a little higher than hers. Both the cenotaphs are inscribed in Persian and that of Mumtaz Mahal even has texts from the Koran. Interiors of the Taj Mahal of Agra also boast of a Cairene lamp above the tombs. The flame that burns in that lamp is supposed to never burn out. The, there are perforated marble screens surrounding the tombs that are inlaid with semiprecious stones. One thing is for sure that if you visit Taj Mahal once, its memories will remain etched in your memory forever.

Taj Mahal Rest House Just opposite to the mosque in Taj Mahal i.e., on the eastern side of the Taj is a monument that is known to be a twin of the mosque. This red sandstone monument is called Taj Mahal Naqqar Khana or the Rest house or Jawab (Answer) and is faced away from the Mecca. It is built exactly like the mosque of Taj Mahal. However, it was never

used for prayer purposes. Infact, till today the purpose of building the rest house in Taj Mahal, of Agra, is not known. However, some people believe that it was constructed to conserve the symmetry of Taj Mahal. Beautiful flower designs and other decoration, in white marble, adorn the Taj Mahal Naqqar Khana. The floor between this monument and the mosque also reflects a full size reproduction of the pinnacle embellishing the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal Gardens Style: Persian Divided Into: Four Parts Canals: Two (crossing in the center) Flowerbeds: Sixteen Trees: Cyprus and Fruit-bearing Trees Taj Mahal Gardens are set up in a Persian style, running from the main gateway to the base of the Taj Mahal. The Persian style of gardens, with emphasis on flowers, fruit, birds, leaves, symmetry and delicacy, was introduced in India by Babur. These gardens were based on geometric arrangements of nature and no attempt was made to give them a "natural" look. Another architectural attribute that has been followed in the case of the entire monument, especially the gardens of the Taj Mahal of Agra, is the usage of number four and its multiples. Since four is considered the holiest number in Islam, all the arrangements of Charbagh Garden of Taj Mahal are based on four or its multiples. The entire garden is divided into four parts, with two marble canals studded with fountains crossing in the center. In each quarter portion, there are 16 flowerbeds that have been divided by stone-paved raised pathways. It is said that even each of the flowerbed was planted with 400 plants. The trees of the Taj garden are either that of Cyprus (signifying death) or of the fruit bearing type (signifying life) and even they are arranged in a symmetrical pattern. Taj Mahal occupies the north end corner of the garden, instead of being in the center. Infact, at the center of the garden, between the Taj and its gateway, is a raised marble lotus-tank with a cusped border, which reflects the Taj in its waters.

Taj Mahotsav Agra Location: Shilpgram, Near Taj Mahal, Agra Time: February Duration: 10 days Organized by: Uttar Pradesh Tourism Significance: Celebrated to promote rich arts, crafts, culture, cuisine, dance and music of the state Highlights: A procession taken out in the typical Mughal era style, food festival, performances by folk musicians and dancers, etc Taj Mahotsav is celebrated at Agra in the month of February for ten days. Organized by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism, the Taj Mahotsav is mainly dedicated to the promotion of Uttar Pradesh's rich arts, crafts, culture, cuisine, dance and music. Infact, it serves as an acknowledgment to the craftsmen as well as the exponents of art, music and cuisine. The venue of the festival of Taj Mahostav is Shilpgram, which is stone's throw away from Taj Mahal. The festival starts with a procession including bejeweled elephants and camels, drum beaters, folk artists and master craftsmen. This procession is an effort to reconstruct the ones that were taken out during the time of the Mughals. The crafts that are showcased in the festival have immense variety and include:

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• Woodcarvings of Saharanpur Brass and other metal ware of Moradabad • Handmade carpets of Badohi • Blue pottery of Khurja • Chikan work of Lucknow • Silk of Banares, etc

One of the major attractions of the Taj Mahal Utsav of Agra is the Food Festival, where you can get some of the oldest and the most typical delicacies from the interiors of Uttar Pradesh. Folk music and folk dances of Bundelkhand, 'Nautanki' (Drama), 'Sapera' dance of Rajasthan will further entertain you in this amazing festival.

Water Devices at Taj Mahal

The architects planned water devices at the Taj Mahal in a very systematical manner. The water for Taj Mahal was drawn from the river and came from a number of underground pipes. Purs (a rope and bucket pulled by bullocks) were used for drawing water from the river and from there the water was transferred to a huge storage tank. Again thirteen purs were used to pump the water from the tank. From this tank, the water was taken into another huge storage tank through an over-head waterchannel. From this tank, water was again pumped through fourteen purs and finally filled into three supply tanks through another channel. The last one of the supply tanks had pipe mouths in its eastern wall. These pipes entered the Taj Mahal enclosure from underground, with one of them moving towards the mosque to supply the fountains there. For the fountains in the north-south canal and the lotus pond and its canal, copper pipes were used. To ensure uniform and undiminished water pressure in the fountains, a copper pot was provided under each fountain pipe. The water supply came first into the pot only and from there rose simultaneously in the fountains. However, the main supply of the water in these pots came through earthenware pipes. Most of the water devices at Taj Mahal have stood the test of time and are still present there.

A Day at Taj Mahal When you think about visiting Taj, a question may come up in your mind about "how to spend a day at Taj". Even though Taj Mahal seems to be a single building, but there are so many structures inside it that you will feel that a day at the Taj Mahal is just insufficient to explore this amazing monument. If you want to appreciate the beauty of this splendid monument fully, we suggest that you should visit it atleast twice. In the morning, Taj Mahal, veiled with mist and immersed in a soft red glow, looks straight out of a fairy tale. The reflection of the sunlight falling on its white marble facade changes color from soft gray and yellow to pearly cream and dazzling white, as the day passes. The time of dawn presents Taj in delicate shades of pink, while the setting sun washes it with orange color. However, the beauty of the Taj reaches its peak during the moon lit nights, especially on a full moon night. Bathed in silver light of the moon, it seems just

like a dream that has just come true. A day at Taj Mahal will keep you busy only with the task of taking in its mesmerizing beauty. There is no limit on the time you may spend at the Taj on a single visit. You may remain here the entire day and let your eyes soak the splendor of the Taj.

Taj Mahal Location City: Agra, On the Banks of River Yamuna State: Uttar Pradesh Distance from Delhi: 204 km (approximately) The location of the Taj Mahal is such that the monument is easily accessible from almost all parts of India. The Taj is situated in the city of Agra in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. This is the basic answer to the question of "Where is Taj Mahal, India". In order to know about the location of Taj Mahal in Agra, read on the following lines: In the city of Agra, Taj Mahal is sited inside a formal garden on the embankment of the River Yamuna. The entire Taj Mahal complex consists of a number of buildings comprising of a mosque, a guesthouse and the mausoleum, housing both the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. A long and beautiful walkway leads to the main mausoleum, which is built of pure white marble. Four waterways divide the gardens that stand in front of the Taj into four parts and then, meet in a pool at the center. It is said that half of the beauty of Taj Mahal comes from the strategic location where it stands.