When you think of India, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? For me, it’s the Taj Mahal. Situated in Agra, India, The Taj Mahal has been a part of the new 7 wonders of the world since 2007 and was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in the year 1993 for being the “Jewel of Islamic Art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.” The Mughal Emperor -Shah Jahān built the Taj Mahal to show his love for his late wife Mumtaz Mahal.
The construction of this epitome of symmetry began in 1632 AD and was completed in 1648 AD. This mausoleum houses the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, and Shah Jahān was buried next to her after his death. Enhancing the beauty of the banks of the river Yamuna.
The Taj Mahal is a gigantic white structure made of white marble inlaid with more than 40 different types of precious stones including pearls, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and much more. The guest house, mosque and a few other structures near it are built of red sandstone to contrast with the white marble. More than 1000 elephants and over 20,000 workers were involved in this construction which took approximately 20 years. 20 years of waiting… till Shah Jahān finally gave a tribute to his late wife. That’s why it’s not just a monument, it’s a testimony of true love.
Also known as the “Crown of Palaces”, it has a very unique feature. During the day as the sunlight falls on the gleaming white marble throughout the day, it reflects it back in different colour hues which appear to be pinkish in the morning, milky white during the day, and golden at dusk. This is truly a sight for sore eyes. Imagine sitting on the benches at the Mahal, sipping hot coffee, listening to the cascading Yamuna and witnessing this beautiful phenomenon.
Want to know a secret? Shah Jahān wanted to build a black Taj Mahal, on the opposite bank of Yamuna to serve his own tomb, but Aurangzeb- Shah Jahān’s son, decided to imprison his own father so that this plan couldn’t be executed as it would cost the royal family their royalty!
Due to the extensive pollution and the acid rain caused by the industries nearby, the white marble stone has started to turn yellow which has led to the dimming of the beautiful white marble. To preserve the beauty of this formation, the Indian government had set up “The Taj Protection Mission Management Board” (TPMMB) for the environmental protection of the Taj Mahal.
Not many people know this but this site is taller than Qutub Minar in Delhi. Yes, it’s crazy I know because of the Qutub Minar being a vertical standing structure you would think it is taller but no. Qutub Minar is 72.5 m high while the Taj Mahal is 73m high. Moreover, being one of the greatest monuments ever made, it has over 10 miniature replicas across the globe! Astonishing, right?
Until next time,
Au revoir reader :))