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Taj Mahal
Architecture of the Taj Mahal
The
Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the wonders of the world. The architecture of
the Taj Mahal has been praised by historians, architects, poets and travelers
from all over the world. Built of white marble brought from Makrana in Rajasthan,
the Taj Mahal appears different at different times of day and during the changing
seasons. The color of the sky is reflected by the white marble, and the rays
of the sun give it an almost ethereal appearance. The sight of the Taj Mahal
on a full moon night is an enchanting experience. When seen from Agra Fort across
the Yamuna River on a foggy morning, the Taj Mahal appears like a fairytale
castle floating on a soft carpet of air.
The Taj Mahal was built between the years 1631 A.D. and 1648 A.D. A colony
of 20,000 workers lived near the site in the area now called Tajgunj, and
worked on constructing this Mughal monument in Agra. The workers were lead
by the superintendent of masons Muhammed Hanif. The design was by the Persian
architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. The dome was constructed by Ismail Khan Afridi
of Turkey. The poet Ghiyasuddin composed the verses that appear on the tombstones
of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan and the calligraphy was designed by Amanat
Khan Shirazi, whose name can be seen on one of the gates of the Taj Mahal
Agra India. The architecture of the Taj Mahal owes its perfection to the work
of many great craftsmen.
The Taj Mahal is part of a complex of structures. These structures include
the Darwaza or main gateway, the Bageecha or garden, the Masjid or mosque,
the Naqqar Khaana or guest house and the Rauza or mausoleum. The entrance
to the complex is through the grand gateway. The gateway is inscribed with
Islamic calligraphy and floral decorations. As you enter the gateway, its
high arch frames the vista before you. A path with green lawns on either side
leads to the raised platform on which the Taj Mahal is situated. The approach
to the Taj Mahal, with intersecting paths and waterways is called the Charbagh.
The
Taj Mahal is situated on a raised platform that is over 6 meters high. The actual
tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are in the basement below this platform.
The main building surmounted by a curving dome is over 60 meters long on each
side. The dome rises to a height of over 60 meters at its pinnacle. The platform
covers an area of almost 94 sq meters. A tall minaret of over 40 meters reaches
up to the sky at each corner of the platform. On either side of the Taj Mahal
there is a red sandstone building - a mosque to the west and a guesthouse to
the east. The fountains, waterways, formal garden and the river Yamuna flowing
in the background add to the overall effect. The overall symmetry of the Taj
Mahal complex, makes it an aesthetically perfect sight.
The architecture of the Taj Mahal is enhanced by delicate inlay work. The
interiors of the Taj Mahal are decorated with inlay work known as pietra dura.
Semi precious stones such as jasper, jade, turquise, lapis lazuli and sapphire,
were used in these decorative devices, many of which can still be seen. These
decorative elements include inscriptions from the Quran, geometrical designs
and graceful depictions of flowers and plants. The inlay work has been carried
out with great skill, creating a seamless and smooth surface with no visible
joints. The pristine white marble of the Taj Mahal contrasts with the colors
of the inlaid stones creating a beautiful and majestic effect.
The beautiful proportions of each element of the complete complex, their
exquisitely decorated interirors, the brilliance of the carving in the latticed
screens that surround the tomb and the setting of the Taj Mahal add up to
the sublime experience that is a glimpse of the Taj Mahal. The architecture
of the Taj Mahal Agra, is considered the most spectacular example of Mughal
architecture in India.
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