Taj Mahal

Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal symbolizes love.

Located in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal means ‘Crown of the Palaces’. English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold has described the Taj Mahal as, “Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.”. The tomb which is at the center of a 42-acre compound consists of a mosque, and a guest house, and is surrounded by beautifully manicured lush gardens where squirrels and parrots live, reflective pools, and a red sandstone getaway.

Construction was essentially completed in 1643, but work continued in the other phases of the projects for another 10 years. Led by architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the project hired around 20,000 artisans. The Taj Mahal was built incorporating the Mughal architectural design and with white marble from Rajasthan and semi-precious stones. The exterior of the structure showcases beautiful intricate calligraphy and verses from the Quran, while decorations in the interior are even more exquisite. The Taj Mahal interestingly is meticulously symmetrical, with every element perfectly balanced.

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being, “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”, and attracts 7-8 million visitors annually. It was also voted as the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’, making it a very popular destination for tourists to visit.

Taking approximately 22 years to complete, The Taj Mahal is not just a beautiful structure; it carries immense historical, cultural, and emotional significance. The Taj Mahal stands as a timeless reminder of the extraordinary power of love, art, and architecture. Visiting the Taj Mahal is not just a journey to a historical monument; it is a journey through the pages of history, love, and architectural brilliance.