 Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world. Known the world over for its natural and architectural beauty; the Taj Mahal is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Built entirely of white marble; the Taj Mahal sparkles in the light of the full moon day (Purnima) in India. On a foggy morning during winters, the visitors can experience the Taj Mahal as if suspended in the air when viewed from across the Jamuna river.
Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved Empress Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. The dream carved out in marble has made the love between the two immortal forever. Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal.
The construction of Taj Mahal took a period of 22 years, employing 20 thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. under the supervision of Ustad 'Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time. Expert artists from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, and Multan were employed for the massive construction of Taj Mahal. In addition to this India team of artists; many renowned Muslim craftsmen from Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara worked on many specialized tasks.
The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element has its own symmetry and is perfectly integrated with the main structure. It is a matchless example of the implementation of principles of self-replicating geometry and symmetry of architectural elements. The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is bejeweled with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main archways, chiseled with passages from the Holy Qur'an and the bold scrollwork of flowery pattern give the marble tomb a captivating beauty. The walls of central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers of Taj Mahal are also ornamented with Islamic motifs.
The Taj Mahal is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex with the river Jamuna in the background. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. The geometrical principles have again conceived a miraculous creation in the form of this garden in which each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. Like the Taj Mahal, the garden also serves like Arabesque, standing on its own yet being a part of the whole.
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