Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful architectural monuments, which has been known throughout the world for over 350 years. It is located in the territory of modern India, in the city of Agra, on the banks of the Jamna River. Today the Taj Mahal is the most popular attraction in India. The mausoleum is known for its beauty and wealth, but most of all it became famous for the history of its creation, thanks to which the mausoleum is considered the most beautiful monument of love.
History of the Taj Mahal
In 1612, a descendant of Tamerlane, Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) married Mumtaz Mahal. The prince was delighted with the beauty of Mumtaz Mahal, the wedding could be held only with a favorable arrangement of the stars, this moment had to wait for five years, while their meetings were impossible.
In 1628, Shah Jahan began to rule India, everyone noted the very tender and close relationship between the Sultan and his wife, despite the presence of a large harem. This was the only person whom the ruler fully trusted, he took his wife even to accompany military campaigns, as he did not want to be without her for a long time.
After a year of Shah Jahan's reign, in the 17th year of marriage, his beloved wife died during the birth of their 14th child. The sultan has lost a loved one, best friend and wise advisor. For two years the Sultan wore mourning, and his hair became completely gray from grief. A new impetus to the continuation of life was his vow to build a unique tombstone worthy of his wife, which later became a symbol of their love.
Building
In 1632, the construction of the Taj Mahal began, which lasted more than 20 years. The city of Agra was chosen, at that time the economic and social center of India. Shah Jahan recruited over 20,000 of the best craftsmen and workers in India and Asia. The best materials were purchased for the construction of the grandiose monument. The mausoleum was built of white marble, using a record number of precious and semi-precious stones for decoration and interior decoration. The doors were made of silver, the parapet was made of gold, and the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal was covered with a cloth strewn with pearls.
In 1803, the tomb was plundered by Lord Lake, 44 tolas of gold were taken out, many precious stones were taken out of the walls. Lord Curzon, having come to power, passed laws that allowed to save the Taj Mahal from complete embezzlement. In 1653, the Sultan began construction of a second mausoleum, an exact copy of the Taj Mahal, only in black marble. The construction could not be completed, the country was exhausted from internal wars. In 1658, Shah Jahan was overthrown by one of his sons, and for 9 years was held under arrest. They buried Shah Jahan in the same crypt with his beloved wife in the Taj Mahal.
Structural features
The Taj Mahal is located in the center of a large park, which can be entered through the gate, which symbolizes the entrance to paradise. In front of the mausoleum there is a large marble pool. The building itself looks weightless, despite its impressive dimensions (75 meters high). It is a symmetrical octagonal building topped with a large white dome. Mumtaz Mahal was buried in a dungeon, exactly under a dome resembling a flower bud. Measurements of the building revealed clear symmetry and many interesting geometric coincidences.
