Taj waved interesting facts briefly. Taj Mahal: The Story of an Architectural Jewel

Taj Mahal Mausoleum

Inside the mausoleum there are two tombs - the Shah and his wife. In fact, their burial place is located below - strictly under the tombs, underground. The construction time dates back to approximately 1630-1652. The Taj Mahal is a five-domed structure 74 m high on a platform, with 4 minarets at the corners (they are slightly tilted away from the tomb so as not to damage it in case of destruction), which is adjacent to a garden with fountains and a swimming pool.

The walls are made of polished translucent marble (brought 300 km away for construction) with inlaid gems. Turquoise, agate, malachite, carnelian, etc. were used. Marble has such a feature that in bright daylight it looks white, at dawn pink, and on a moonlit night - silver.

Architecture

The mausoleum has numerous symbols hidden in its architecture and layout. For example, on the gate through which visitors of the Taj Mahal enter the park complex surrounding the mausoleum, four final verses from the 89th sura of the Koran “Dawn” (Al-Fajr), addressed to the soul of the righteous, are carved:

“O you, resting soul! Return to your Lord satisfied and having achieved contentment! Come in with My servants. Enter My Paradise!

On the left side of the tomb there is a mosque made of red sandstone. On the right is an exact copy of the mosque. The entire complex has axial symmetry. The tomb has central symmetry relative to the Mumtaz Mahal tomb. This symmetry is broken only by the tomb of Shah Jahan, which was built there after his death.

Present tense

Recently, cracks were discovered in the walls of the Taj Mahal. According to scientists, the appearance of cracks may be due to the shallowing of the nearby Dzhamna River. The disappearance of the river will lead to a change in the soil structure and subsidence of the mausoleum, and perhaps even to its destruction. It also began to lose its legendary whiteness due to polluted air. Despite the expanding parkland around the Taj Mahal and the closure of a number of particularly dirty industries in Agra, the mausoleum is still turning yellow. It has to be cleaned regularly using special white clay.

Tourism

Tens of thousands of people visit the Taj Mahal every day; at the expense of tourists, the “Indian pearl” brings a lot of money to the country’s treasury. During the year, the Taj Mahal receives from 3 to 5 million visitors, of which more than 200,000 are from abroad. Most tourists come during the cooler months of the year - October, November and February. The movement of vehicles with internal combustion engines near the complex is prohibited, so tourists approach the parking lot on foot, or can take an electric bus. The Hawasspuras (north courtyard) has now been restored for use as a new visitor centre. In a small town to the south, known as Taj Ganji or Mumtazabad, caravanserais, bazaars and markets were built to cater to the needs of visitors and workers. The Taj Mahal also appears on several lists as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, including the 2007 list of the New Seven Wonders of the World (after polling more than 100 million votes).

For security reasons, only water in clear bottles, small video cameras, cameras, mobile phones and small handbags are allowed inside the Taj Mahal complex.

The name Taj Mahal can be translated as “The Greatest Palace” (where Taj is the crown and mahal is the palace). The name Shah Jahan can be translated as “Ruler of the World” (where Shah is the ruler, Jahan is the world, the universe). The name Mumtaz Mahal can be translated as “Chosen One of the Court” (where Mumtaz is the best, mahal is palace, courtyard). Similar meanings of words are preserved in Arabic, Hindi and some other languages.

Many tourist guides say that after his overthrow, Shah Jahan sadly admired his creation, the Taj Mahal, from the windows of his prison for many years before his death. Usually these stories mention the Red Fort - the palace of Shah Jahan, built by him at the zenith of his reign, part of the chambers of which the son of Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, Aurangzeb, turned into a luxurious prison for his father. However, here the publications confuse the Delhi Red Fort (hundreds of kilometers from the Taj) and the Red Fort in Agra, also built by the Great Mughals, but earlier, and which is really located next to the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan, according to Indian researchers, was kept in Delhi's Red Fort and could not see the Taj Mahal from there.

Very similar to the Taj Mahal both in Mughal origin and in appearance is the tomb of Humayun in Delhi. This tomb of the Mughal emperor was also built as a sign of great love - not just a husband for his wife, but a wife for her husband. Despite the fact that Humayun's tomb was built earlier, and Jahan, when constructing his masterpiece, was guided by the architectural experience of Humayun's tomb, it is little known in comparison with the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal has an optical focus. If you move with your back to the exit, facing the Taj Mahal, it will seem that this temple is huge compared to the trees and environment.

Film appearance

• "Deep Impact" - The Taj Mahal is shown with a meteorite exploding in the sky.
• “Life after people” - The Taj Mahal is shown after 1000 years without people - earthquakes will overturn all the minarets, and then the mausoleum itself will collapse.
• "Mars attacks! " - aliens pose against the backdrop of an exploding mausoleum.
• “The Last Dance” - the main character of the film, sentenced to death, dreams of visiting the Taj Mahal. The lawyer, in love with her, but unable to save her from the sentence, visits the mazvol after her execution.
• "Escape" - the main character helps the prison director build a model of the Taj Mahal
• “Fire” is a film, the first part of a trilogy by Deepa Mehta.
• “Slumdog Millionaire” - the main character of the film remembers how he and his brother made money from tourists on illegal excursions.

Gallery

see also

Notes

Links

• Photos and full history of the Taj Mahal on Toptravel.ru
• History of the Mughal family and dynasty against the background of their creations (Taj Mahal, tombs of Humayun, Babur, etc.), Mughal influence on the art of India
• New 7 wonders of the world. Taj Mahal is a symbol of India. (History. Mumtaz. Description of the temple.)

Categories:

• World Heritage in alphabetical order
• World Heritage in India
• Uttar Pradesh
• Temples and mausoleums of Islam
• Mausoleums
• Appeared in 1654
• Monuments of India
• Architecture of the Mughal Empire
• Islamic architecture
• Architecture of India
• Tourism in Uttar Pradesh

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See what "Taj Mahal" is in other dictionaries:

A widely known monument of Indian architecture of the Mughal period, built on the banks of the river. Jamna, near Agra. Built around 1630 52 (architects probably Ustad Isa and others) as the mausoleum of Shah Jahan’s wife, which later housed... ... Art encyclopedia

The Taj Mahal Mausoleum, located in the city of Agra, is one of the most famous landmarks in the whole world. The structure was erected by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. This sad and incredibly touching story gives the mausoleum an aura of romance. The Taj Mahal is the most beautiful building in the world, which has become a symbol of eternal love.

When looking at this snow-white, huge, but at the same time seemingly airy building, an inexplicable feeling of sadness certainly arises. It is known from history that this mausoleum was built for Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved third wife of Shah Jahan, who died in 1631 while giving birth to their fourteenth child. The Shah's grief was so great that neither a huge harem, nor gold and jewelry could drown it out. The creation of this building, incredible in scale and beauty, seems to serve as an expression of deep sorrow and a declaration of eternal love.

The Taj Mahal Mausoleum is also a unique example of architecture, combining elements of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles. This building is a complex of structures, the central and main element of which is a white marble mausoleum.

The construction of this miracle lasted for years (began in 1632, ended in 1653), thousands of craftsmen and artisans were involved, and a whole council of architects headed by Ustad Ahmad Lakhauri worked. By 1648, the main mausoleum was completed, but the adjacent buildings and garden were completed only five years later.

Taj Mahal Mausoleum

The architectural center of the Taj Mahal complex is the tomb. It is simply huge in size, made of white marble, located on a square pedestal and is a symmetrical building with an arched opening, topped with a large dome. The main architectural elements are of Persian origin.

Inside the mausoleum there are two tombs - Mumtaz Mahal and the Shah himself. The height of the structure reaches 74 meters; at its corners there are 4 minarets, slightly inclined towards the building. This was done on purpose so that if they fell, they could not damage it.

The marble dome of the mausoleum has a peculiar shape, due to which it is called the “onion dome” and has a height of 35 meters. Its shape is emphasized by four smaller domes located at the corners of the tomb and having the same “onion” shape.

The main dome was decorated with a crescent crown made of pure gold, which was replaced in the 19th century by a bronze copy.

Minarets were created as active parts of mosques from which the Muslim call to prayer sounds. Each minaret is 40 meters high and is divided into three equal parts by encircling balconies. The decorative elements that decorate the minarets are also gilded.

Exterior of the Taj Mahal

The exterior of the Taj Mahal is rightfully recognized as one of the best in the world. The decorative design is made using various types of plaster, paints, inlays and carved elements. In Islam, the use of anthropomorphic forms is prohibited, so the elements are symbols, abstractions and plant motifs.

The entire complex is decorated with passages from the Koran as decorative elements. At the entrance to the Taj Mahal Park, four verses of the 89th sura of the Koran “Al-Fajr” (Dawn) are inscribed on the gate:

“O soul who has found peace in truth!

Return to your Lord, satisfied with the bliss of the mercies of Allah, having won the favor of Allah with your good deeds committed in earthly life!

Join the ranks of My pious servants!

Enter My paradise - the abode of eternal bliss!

Abstract shapes decorate many parts of the complex. They are found on pedestals, minarets, gates, mosques and on grave surfaces. Along the bottom of the tomb are marble figurines of flowers and vines. All images are carefully polished and inlaid with yellow marble, jasper and jade.

Taj Mahal interior

The interior of the Taj Mahal is not entirely traditional. The interior decoration is rich in elements with precious and semi-precious stones and inlays, and the hall is an octagon of a perfectly regular shape, which can be entered from any side. But only one door is used, from the south on the garden side.

The ceiling of the hall is made in the form of an internal dome, and is decorated in the shape of the sun. The interior space of the hall is divided into parts by eight large arches. Balconies and viewing platforms are formed by four central arches. The hall is illuminated by an observation window and special openings in the corners of the roof.

In the center of the hall are the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. They are lavishly decorated with precious stones. On the tombstone of Mumtaz Mahal there are inscriptions praising her, and there is also a rectangle, according to one version, intended for writing. The only asymmetrical element in the entire Mausoleum complex is the tomb of Shah Jahan, the reason for this is that it was completed later. It is decorated with the same decorative elements, but larger in size.

Taj Mahal Gardens

The garden located in front of the Taj Mahal mausoleum is simply beautiful. It is 300 meters long, in four parts, which are divided by original raised paths into sixteen flower beds. The canal located in the center of the garden is lined with marble and reflects the image of the mausoleum like in a mirror. An earlier description of the park contains mention of an abundance of vegetation - a variety of fruit trees, exquisite roses, and daffodils. However, during the reign of Britain, the garden was changed almost beyond recognition - all the vegetation was reduced to an ordinary green lawn.

Adjoining buildings

In addition to the main elements of the Mausoleum, the complex has several small mausoleums where the remaining wives of the Shah are buried, and in a larger building - the beloved servant Mumtaz Mahal. The main gate is a monumental structure made of marble. The gate passage follows the shape of the vaulted passages of the mausoleum, and the arches are decorated with the same decorative elements. All elements of the complex are surprisingly precisely planned geometrically and symmetrically in relation to the main building.

History of the construction of the Taj Mahal

The plot of land on which the Taj Mahal was built was purchased by Shah Jahan from Maharaja Jai ​​Singh in exchange for a large palace in the center of Agra. To carry out the construction work, a giant pit was dug, then it was filled with dirt to strengthen the soil, and the construction site itself was raised 50 meters above the river level. In addition, deep wells were dug and filled with rubble to drain water. Strong brick scaffolding was erected, making construction much easier.

In order to transport materials to the construction site, a fifteen-meter trench was dug, along which teams of 20-30 oxen pulled huge blocks. A system of reservoirs was created to supply the complex with water from the river. The total construction cost was around 32 million rupees.

And almost immediately after the completion of the Taj Mahal, Aurangzeb overthrew his father Shah Jahan and imprisoned him in the Delhi Fort.

By the end of the 19th century, the majestic structure fell into disrepair and was plundered by the British. Lord Curzon carried out an almost complete reconstruction of the Taj Mahal and garden.

Nowadays, a new threat has arisen over the complex - environmental pollution is gradually leading to the destruction of the mausoleum building. The government is taking measures to change the situation, but so far to no avail.

The Taj Mahal is India's top attraction, attracting about 3 million tourists every year. This is a significant source of income for the country's budget. It is open to the public every day except Friday.

According to legend, a black reflection of the Taj Mahal should appear on the other bank of the Jamna River - Shah Jahan planned to build such a mausoleum for himself. However, his plans were not destined to come true due to the betrayal of his son.

The Taj Mahal is a recognized symbol of eternal love, because it was created for the sake of the woman who won the heart of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Mumtaz Mahal was his third wife and died giving birth to their fourteenth child. To perpetuate the name of his beloved, the padishah conceived a grandiose project to build a mausoleum. Construction took 22 years, but today it is an example of harmony in art, which is why tourists from all over the world dream of visiting the wonder of the world.

Taj Mahal and its construction

To build the world's greatest mausoleum, the padishah recruited more than 22,000 people from all over the empire and surrounding states. The best craftsmen worked on the mosque to bring it to perfection, maintaining complete symmetry according to the emperor's plans. Initially, the plot of land on which it was planned to install the tomb belonged to Maharaja Jai ​​Singh. Shah Jahan gave him a palace in the city of Agra in exchange for empty territory.

First, work was carried out to prepare the soil. The area, which exceeds a hectare in area, was dug up and the soil was replaced to ensure the stability of the future building. The foundation was dug wells, which were filled with rubble stone. During construction, white marble was used, which had to be transported not only from different parts of the country, but even from neighboring countries. To solve the transportation problem, we had to specially invent carts and construct a lifting ramp.

Only the tomb and its platform took about 12 years to build; the remaining elements of the complex were built over the course of another 10 years. Over the years, the following structures have appeared:

• minarets;
• mosque;
• jawab;
• Big gate.

It is precisely because of this length of time that disputes often arise as to how many years it took to build the Taj Mahal and what year should be considered the moment of completion of the construction of the landmark. Construction began in 1632, and all work was completed by 1653, the mausoleum itself was ready in 1643. But no matter how long the work lasted, the result was a stunning 74-meter-high temple in India, surrounded by gardens with an impressive pool and fountains .

Features of the architecture of the Taj Mahal

Despite the fact that the structure is so culturally significant, there is still no reliable information about who actually was the main architect of the tomb. During the work, the best craftsmen were involved, a Council of Architects was created, and all decisions made came exclusively from the emperor. Many sources believe that the project to create the complex came from Ustad Ahmad Lakhauri. True, when discussing the question of who built the pearl of architectural art, the name of the Turk Isa Muhammad Efendi often comes up.

However, it does not really matter who built the palace, since it is a symbol of the love of the padishah, who sought to create a unique tomb worthy of his faithful life partner. For this reason, white marble was chosen as the material, signifying the purity of the soul of Mumtaz Mahal. The walls of the tomb are decorated with precious stones arranged in intricate patterns to convey the amazing beauty of the emperor's wife.

The architecture intertwines several styles, among which notes from Persia, Islam and Central Asia can be traced. The main advantages of the complex are considered to be the chessboard floor, minarets 40 meters high, and an amazing dome. A special feature of the Taj Mahal is the use of optical illusions. For example, inscriptions from the Koran written along the arches appear to be the same size throughout their entire height. In fact, the letters and the distance between them at the top are much greater than at the bottom, but a person going inside does not see this difference.

The illusions do not end there, since you need to observe the attraction at different times of the day. The marble from which it is made is translucent, so it appears white during the day, at sunset it acquires a pinkish tint, and at night under the moonlight it gives off a silvery appearance.

In Islamic architecture it is impossible to do without images of flowers, but how skillfully the mosaic monument was made cannot fail to impress. If you look closely, you can see dozens of precious stones encrusted just a couple of centimeters deep. Such details are found inside and outside, because the entire mausoleum is thought out to the smallest detail.

The entire structure is axially symmetrical from the outside, so some parts were added just to maintain the overall appearance. The interior is also symmetrical, but narrower in relation to the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. The general harmony is disturbed only by the tombstone of Shah Jahan himself, which after his death was installed next to his beloved. Although for tourists it does not matter what the symmetry inside the room looks like, because it is decorated so exquisitely that the eye is distracted, and this is considering the fact that most of the treasures were looted by vandals.

To build the Taj Mahal, it was necessary to install massive scaffolding, and it was decided to use durable brick rather than the usual bamboo. The craftsmen who worked on the project argued that it would take years to disassemble the created structure. Shah Jahan took a different route and announced that anyone could take as many bricks as they could carry. As a result, the structure was dismantled by city residents in a few days.

The story goes that upon completion of construction, the emperor ordered the eyes and hands of all the craftsmen who performed the miracle to be gouged out, so that they could not reproduce similar elements in other works. And although in those days many actually used such methods, it is believed that this is only a legend, and the padishah limited himself to a written assurance that the architects would not create a similar mausoleum.

The interesting facts do not end there, because opposite the Taj Mahal there should have been the same tomb for the Indian ruler, but made of black marble. This was briefly stated in the documents of the son of the great padishah, but historians are inclined to believe that they were talking about the reflection of the existing tomb, which from the pool appears black, which also confirms the emperor’s passion for illusions.

There is a debate that the museum may collapse due to the Jumna river becoming shallower over the years. Recently, cracks were found on the walls, but this does not mean that the reason lies only in the river. The temple is located in a city where it is influenced by various environmental factors. Once snow-white marble takes on a yellow tint, so it has to be cleaned frequently with white clay.

For those who are interested in how the name of the complex is translated, it is worth saying that from Persian it means “greatest palace.” However, there is an opinion that the secret lies in the name of the chosen one of the Indian prince. The future emperor was in love with his cousin even before marriage and called her Mumtaz Mahal, i.e. Decoration of the Palace, and Taj, in turn, means “crown”.

Note to tourists

It is not worth listing what the great mausoleum is famous for, because it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is also considered a New Wonder of the World. During the excursion, they will definitely tell a romantic story about who the temple was built in honor of, as well as give a brief description of the stages of construction and reveal the secrets of which city has a similar structure.

To visit the Taj Mahal, you will need an address: in the city of Agra, you need to get to State Highway 62, Tajganj, Uttar Pradesh. It is allowed to take photographs on the territory of the temple, but only with ordinary equipment; professional equipment is strictly prohibited here. True, many tourists take beautiful photos outside the complex, you just need to know where the observation deck is located, from which you can see the view from above. The city map usually indicates where you can see the palace and from which side the entrance to the complex is open.

The Taj Mahal is an outstanding architectural monument and one of the main attractions in India dating back to the Mughal period. The Taj was built as a mausoleum for Shah Jahan's beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. Shah Jahal himself was later also buried in the Taj Mahal. The word Taj Mahal is translated as “The Greatest Palace”: Taj in translation means crown, mahal means palace.

Taj Mahal - history of creation

The history of the creation of one of the main attractions of India began in 1630. The Taj Mahal was built on the banks of the Jamna River, south of the city of Agra. The Taj Mahal complex includes:

• minarets;
• mosque;
• jawab;
• Big gate.

20,000 artisans and craftsmen worked on the construction of the Taj. Construction lasted twelve years. The mausoleum-mosque combines Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. The height of the five-domed building is 74 meters; four minarets rise at the corners of the building. The minarets are tilted to the side so that when destroyed, the tomb of the Shah and his wife does not damage.

The mausoleum is surrounded by a beautiful garden with a fountain and a swimming pool, which reflects the entire building. The Taj Mahal Mausoleum, located in the city of Agra, is famous for its optical trick: if you walk with your back to the exit, the building appears huge compared to the surrounding trees. The center of the complex is the tomb. It is a symmetrical structure with an arch, erected on a square pedestal and topped with a large dome. The height of the main dome, built in the shape of an onion, is impressive - 35 meters. On the tops of the domes are traditional Persian figures.

What is the Taj Mahal made of?

The foundation consisted of wells filled with rubble stone. The materials were transported on a fifteen kilometer ramp using oxen and carts. Water was extracted from the river using a rope-bucket system. From a large reservoir, water rose into the distribution compartment, from where it was delivered to the construction site through three pipes. The construction cost was 32 million rupees.

The majestic finish deserves special attention: white polished translucent marble inlaid with gems such as turquoise, agate, and malachite. In total, twenty-eight types of semi-precious and precious stones are inlaid into the walls of the tomb. The marble from which the mausoleum is made was brought from quarries 300 kilometers from the city. During the day, the walls of the mosque look white, at night - silver, and at sunset - pink.

Craftsmen were invited to build the Taj Mahal not only from India, but also from Central Asia, the Middle East, and Persia. The designer of the main building is considered to be Ismail Afandi from the Ottoman Empire. There is a legend according to which a copy of the Taj should have been located on the other side of the Jumna River, but only made of black marble. The building was not completed. For a plot of 1.2 hectares, the soil was replaced and the site was raised 50 meters above the river level.

Taj Mahal - interesting facts

According to legend, after being overthrown by his son, Shah Jahan admired the Taj Mahal from the windows of his prison. An interesting fact is that the tomb of Humayun in Delhi is very similar to the Taj Mahal, built, like the Taj Mahal, as a sign of the great love story between spouses. Moreover, the tomb in Delhi was built earlier, and Shah Jahan used the experience of building the tomb of the Mughal emperor during its construction. There is also a smaller copy of the Taj Mahal, located in the city of Agra. This is the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula, built in 1628.

Since 1983, the Taj Mahal has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to a survey conducted in 2007, the Taj Mahal was included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Currently, there is a problem of shallowing of the Dzhamna River, as a result of which the mausoleum settles and cracks form on the walls. Also, due to air pollution, the walls of the Taj, famous for their whiteness, turn yellow. The building is cleaned with special clay.

A great love story: Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal

About five million tourists visit the Taj Mahal in India every year. The creation of the greatest structure on Earth is associated with the name of Shah Jahan, the grandson of the great Mogul Akbar.

The name Shah Jahan, which means “ruler of the world,” was given to his beloved son Khurram by his father. At a young age, the boy was engaged to Mumtaz Mahal, but it so happened that they fell in love with each other. And their love has passed the test of eternity...

Shah Jahan had a large harem, but for him there were no other women except Mumtaz Mahal. Yes, he had children from other wives, but his feelings for these women could not be compared with his great love for the “chosen one of the palace” - this is how the name Mumtaz Mahal is translated. The fact that they were very close is recorded in all the palace chronicles, which is unusual for the Eastern world. After all, Muslims preach different kinds of love: love for God, for the ruler, for the country, but not romantic.

The lovers' happiness did not last long. An uprising broke out in one of the remote provinces, and Shah Jahan went to suppress it. On all campaigns, Mumtaz Mahal accompanied her husband. But this trip was very difficult for her - she was pregnant. The birth was very difficult, and on June 17, 1631, after the birth of her fourteenth child, she died.

Shah Jahan's grief cannot be described in words. He did not leave his chambers for 8 days, did not eat anything and did not talk to anyone. During this time he grew very old and turned grey.

The history of the Taj Mahal

According to legend, shortly before her death, Mumtaz Mahal asked her husband to build the most beautiful mausoleum in the world. This was the only thing that Shah Jahan could now do for his beloved...

Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, six months after the death of Mumtaz Mahal, and lasted twelve years. Huge amounts of money were spent on this project. The Taj Mahal is the most expensive structure ever built. About 32 million rupees were spent on construction, which is currently comparable to billions of euros. The purest marble in the world, which was mined in the province of Rajasthan, was used to clad the building. Shah Jahan banned the use of this marble on other construction projects of the Indian Empire.

Due to construction, famine began in the country: part of the grain that was intended for the provinces was sent to the construction site to provide food for the workers.

Construction of the Taj Mahal was completed in 1643. After this, Shah Jahan's reign continued for quite a long time - until 1658. But it could not be called successful. The Empire found itself in a very difficult economic situation. The son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal deprived his father of power. Shah Jahan spent the rest of his life in the Red Fort, from the window of which he constantly looked at the tomb of the woman who became the love of his life... The great Mughal ruler was buried next to his beloved wife.

Secrets of the construction of the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal has been striking in its beauty for more than three hundred years. It can rightfully be called one of the most grandiose structures in the entire history of mankind. The ideas and solutions that were used in its construction are simply amazing! Especially considering that the Taj Mahal is several centuries old. But it is perfect in its beauty and precision. Where is the Taj Mahal and why is it worth visiting?

• The Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra (about 250 km from Delhi) on the banks of the Jamna River. This place was not the most convenient for the construction of such a structure: the soil is unstable due to the proximity of water. Therefore, a unique technology was used, which is still used today only in a slightly modified form (for example, the use of piles in the construction of skyscrapers in the UAE).

Workers dug deep wells that penetrated the groundwater layer. These wells were filled with stones and lime mortar. On this foundation, stone columns were erected, connected to each other by arches. The foundation slab of the building was placed on this structure.

• Some optical illusions were used in the design of the Taj Mahal. To get to the Taj Mahal, you need to go through the entrance gate arch, through which the visitor first sees the building. As you approach the arch, the Taj Mahal seems to move away. Conversely, when the visitor leaves, he sees through the arch as if the structure is approaching. This creates the effect that a person takes the Taj Mahal with him.
• It seems that the amazingly beautiful minarets of the Taj Mahal are located strictly vertically. But even here there was an optical trick! In fact, they are slightly angled away from the building. If they stood strictly vertically, it would seem that they were leaning towards the mausoleum. But there is another advantage hidden in the chosen inclination. During an earthquake, the minarets would collapse away from the Taj Mahal without hitting it.
• The Taj Mahal combines the best elements of the memorials built earlier by the Mughal dynasty: minarets, a dome, four corner towers and four portals.
• The tomb, which is located under the main dome of the Taj Mahal, is not the real burial site of Mumtaz Mahal. Her real tomb is located in a secret marble hall under the mausoleum. This was done so that no one would disturb the peace of the “chosen one of the palace”. The Koran says that the peace of the deceased should not be disturbed.

Pietra is a fool

The decoration inside the Taj Mahal is made using the Pietra Dura technique, which came to India from Italy. Amazing stone flowers made of gems decorate the walls of the halls and other elements of the building. That's why the Taj Mahal looks like a jewelry box inside.

Nowadays you can see this art of stone cutting in Indian workshops. But technology has not changed at all over the past few centuries.

Religious symbolism of the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal depicts the earthly and afterlife in accordance with Islamic ideas. The whole complex is divided into 2 parts. The earthly part consists of bazaars and caravanserais, and the afterlife consists of the Garden of Eden and the mausoleum. The pond and entrance gate located between these two parts symbolize the transition from one world to another.

The color scheme of the Taj Mahal is also very symbolic. The buildings of the earthly part are made of red sandstone. White color is used only for the mausoleum and symbolizes spirituality and faith.

The mausoleum contains eight halls, which symbolize the eight gates of heaven described in the Koran and one central one - it houses the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal.

What tourists need to know

The entire complex is surrounded by a secure wall, and at the entrance visitors are thoroughly checked for the presence of prohibited items: food, lighters, cigarettes, chewing gum, mobile phones. So it's better to leave them at the hotel.

Photo: Wikipedia, Muhammad Mahdi Karim, Vetra,