The Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world. Yet how many of us know what the building truly is? The Taj Mahal is actually a mausoleum, i.e a building housing a tomb or set of tombs. Does that come as a surprise? This revelation should prompt the next question. Whose tomb or tombs are housed here? To answer to that lies in one of the most famous tales in the annals of Indian history.
A tale of love
The Taj Mahal which is situated in the Indian city of Agra was completed in 1648 AD. It was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan of the great Mughal Empire. But what prompted him to build it? This beautiful spectacle of human endeavour was built as a result of an even more beautiful human emotion – Love! Shah Jahan had the monument built-in memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal who died at the age of 38 during childbirth. Some accounts say that while on her deathbed she had instructed her husband to build her the most beautiful monument that ever existed. It is from this tale of love that the Taj Mahal was created. Inside it rests the tomb of Shah Jahan’s beloved Mumtaz.
The Construction, Illusions and Other Attractions
It is said that around 20,000 workers were employed in constructing the Taj Mahal. It took more than 17 years to complete this magnificent testimony to love. The structure is constructed with near-perfect symmetry and enticing optical illusions. As one steps into the main gate, the mausoleum appears to be large and near. But any guesses about what happens when you take a few steps inside? The monument then appears to be far off and diminished in size. There are four minarets or towers surrounding the Taj Mahal. These towers appear to stand upright but are actually tilted away from the monument.
The elevation ensures that behind it one would see the vast expanse of the sky, bringing with it a luscious treat of varied visuals depending on the time of your visit. The most majestic look is probably at sunrise, just before the sleepy sun jumps up from behind the ivory white masterpiece. The path from the main gate is decorated by a shiny pool of water that runs through the centre, flanked by rows of Cyprus trees.
Inside the Taj Mahal, you would find the tombs. Verses from the Koran adorn the walls with the most brilliant calligraphy. Precious stones and engravings add to the extravagant interior of the monument. Outside, the lush garden exemplifies geometrical precision coupled with artistic beauty. The trees, flowers and channels of water make it a marvellous spectacle. Amidst this backdrop from a shade of grey to a type of orange, the colour of the Taj Mahal changes throughout the day.
For years, this unparalleled beauty of the Taj Mahal has been synonymous with the heritage of the Indian nation. A trip to the Taj Mahal would be a treat to your senses. Next time the chance of a visit to South Asia comes by, grab it with both hands. When you do find yourself inside the Taj Mahal and at Mumtaz Mahal’s tomb, let your eyes search a bit and find near it the tomb of her loving husband Shah Jahan. The emperor rests next to the love of his life after teaching us all the power of love.
Shakespeare said “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” Let’s all believe in the power of love and the amazing things it can push us to achieve!
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