Taj Mahal- Fact File
Location : Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Famous As : One of the Seven wonders of the world, World Heritage Site.
Constructed By : Shah Jahan
Built in Between : 1632 - 1654
Special Attraction : Taj Mahotsava (Held every year in the month of February)
Climate : Tropical climate, Maximum temp : 45°C, Minimum temp : 4°C.
Ideal Time to Visit : October to March.

About Taj Mahal
If there's a building which evokes a country - like the Sydney Opera House does for Australia, the Eiffel Tower for France - then it has to be the Taj Mahal for India. This world famous monument was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love by the emperor, who was heartbroken when Mumtaz Mahal died in childbirth in the year 1629. The white marble monument stands as a symbol of eternal love for centuries and speaks of the love of a great ruler. The garden, palaces, even every aspect of Taj Mahal reflects the romantic nature of Shah Jahan.


Construction of Taj Mahal
Construction of the Taj Mahal commenced in the year 1632 and was completed in the year 1654. In total 20,000 people worked around two decades to give the shape to the dream of Shah Jahan. Workers were recruited not only from different parts of India but also from Central Asia and other nearby areas. Expert craftsmen were brought from as far as away from European countries.

Main Structure of Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is situated on an elevated marble platform with towering white minarets at each corner of the platform. The central structure has a four smaller domes encircling the massive, bulbous, central dome. In the central chamber there are false tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, below them in the basement room are the main tombs. Light is entering into the main chamber by delicately cut marble screens.

Architecture and Design of Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is built in Mughal architectural style - a blend of Indian and Persian architecture. Precious and semi-precious stones are inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns and superb craftsmanship in a process known as pietra dura. The designing elements are repeated consistently, which can be seen in finial, lotus decoration, guldasta, chattris, onion dome, spandrels, calligraphy, arches etc. The precision and the care which had been taken into the design and construction of Taj Mahal, make it equally impressive from every side, whether you view it from across the river or from arm's length.

Taj Complex
Entry to the Taj Complex is through a high red sandstone gateway, inscribed with verse from holy Qoran. The main entrance to the Taj Mahal is a fine specimen of the previous Mughal architectural style. Paths lead to the main structure of Taj, divided by a long water course and fountains. The Taj complex is surrounded by red sandstone walls on its three sides and the side facing the Yamuna river is open.