Wednesday, October 14, 2015


Taj Mahal


An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252


The Taj Mahal dates from the 17th century, as tomb for the favourite wife of Moghul-emperor Shah Jahan. She died at the birth of her 14th child in 1630. In grief, Shah Jahan decided to construct for her a monument to show his eternal love. It took 22 years to complete. 

The name Taj Mahal is derived from her nick-name Mumtaz Mahal: pearl or crown of the palace.

According to legend, Shah Jahan planned to erect a black version as tomb for himself on the other side of the river. A bridge should connect the two monuments. 

The Taj is situated in the city of Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna-river. It is enclosed in a garden amidst fountains and ornamental trees. The walled complex further includes two mosques and an imposing gateway. 

http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/tajmahal.html

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