Taj Mahal Architecture
Taj Mahal, the finest specimen of Mughal architecture is considered as one of the seven wonders of the world. Constructed by emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is one of the architectural jewells of the world. The architecture of Taj Mahal is praised by architects, historians, poets and travellers from all over the world. The Taj Mahal is a combination of Persian (Iran) and Indian architectural styles. The beautiful proportions of each elements, the exquisitely decorated interiors and the brilliantly carved latticed screens together make Taj Mahal a masterpiece of excellent architecture. Built mainly of white marble, the Taj Mahal appears different at different times of day and different seasons. The colour of clear blue sky reflected by its white marble and the bright rays of sun provide an ethereal look to Taj Mahal. Seeing the Taj Mahal on a full moon night is an enchanting experience. The Taj Mahal is part of a complex of structures including the Darwaza or main gateway, the garden, the mosque, the Naqqar Khaana or guest house etc.

Taj Mahal - Gateway
The entrance to the Taj Mahal is through a massive 30 metre high gateway. Made of red sandstone this gateway was completed in the year 1648. This gateway is capped by small cupolas (chhatris) in its top and stands as a symbol of the divide between the material and the spiritual. The beautiful gateway is decorated in calligraphy with verses from holy Qoran. The original door of the Taj- Gateway was made out of the silver and is inscribed with letters from top to bottom. The letters are carved in such a way that each letter appears to be of same size by the naked eyes. Actually the engravers artistically enlarged the size of the letters as their distance from the ground increased to provide a uniform look to the letters. Taj Mahal-Gateway was built to prevent people from getting any glimpse of the tomb from outside the gate.

Taj Mahal - Garden
Just entering through the massive gateway one can see a sprawling garden going all the way up to the plinth of the Taj Mahal. Built in Islamic Style of architecture, the garden is based on the Islamic concept of Char Bagh. According to Char Bagh concept there are four rivers in paradise, one of water, the second of milk, other of wine and fourth of honey. The garden is separated by the watercourses originating from the central raised pool and is divided into 16 flowerbeds. Earlier there were 400 plants in each bed and all the trees were planted to maintain symmetry.

The Taj Platform
The Taj Mahal is situated on a 6.7 m high plinth that can be approached from a central path within the garden. The total area covered by the plinth is around 95 sq. m. The four corners of the plinth is flanked by four exquisite minarets (tower) each rising to a height of 41.6 m and capped by a small cupola. The minarets provide balance to the tomb and they are erected in such a way that even in the case of a mishap they will not fall over the main structure.

The Tomb
Tomb above the main grave of Taj Mahal is a part of the architectural beauty of this beautiful building. The main tomb is square in shape and stands on a red sandstone platform. The length of each side of the tomb is 56.6 m having a huge central arch flanked by two pointed arches. The main dome is at the centre, while the smaller domes rise at corner. The main dome of the Taj Mahal is actually a double dome and resembles to a huge pearl. Beautifully carved panels in bas-relief and superb inlay work enhance the exterior beauty of the tomb. The central chamber houses the replica tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan and the actual tombs are situated in the basement.

Both the tombs are inlaid with semi-precious stones.

Pietra Dura
The interior beauty of the Taj Mahal is is enhanced by delicate inlay work known as Pietra dura. Semi-precious stones such as jade, turquoise, jasper, lapis lazuli and sapphire, were extensively used in the decoration of the interiors. The decorative elements include the calligraphic inscriptions from the holy Qoran, geometrical designs and fantastic depictions of flowers and plants.