Fascinating facts about the history of the Taj Mahal
Fascinating Facts about the History of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is perhaps one of the most iconic structures in the world. It is a beautiful mausoleum located in Agra, India and was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to honor his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth.
Construction of the Taj Mahal
Construction of the Taj Mahal started in 1632 and took over 20 years to complete. Over 20,000 workers were employed in the construction of the Taj Mahal, which was built using white marble brought from Rajasthan. It is said that about 1,000 elephants were used to transport the marble.
The Taj Mahal was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, a Persian architect who also designed the Red Fort located in Delhi. The structure is a perfect example of Mughal architecture, which is a blend of Indian, Persian and Islamic architectural styles.
The Taj Mahal’s Symbolism
The Taj Mahal is not just a beautiful structure, it is also rich in symbolism. The white marble symbolizes purity while the intricate carvings and calligraphy on the walls represent the artistic and cultural richness of the Mughal era.
The four minarets that surround the Taj Mahal are not straight. They are angled slightly outward to prevent them from falling on top of the mausoleum in case of an earthquake.
The Taj Mahal’s Rich History
The Taj Mahal has a rich history and has seen many ups and downs over the years. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, British soldiers defaced some of the calligraphy and slaughtered many of the caretakers of the Taj Mahal.
In the 1940s, during World War II, the government of India built a massive scaffold around the Taj Mahal to protect it from bombing. The scaffolding remained up for several years and many tourists who visited the Taj Mahal during that period complained that it marred the beauty of the structure.
Visiting the Taj Mahal Today
Today, the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Millions of people visit the Taj Mahal every year and it is a must-see destination for anyone visiting India.
Visitors to the Taj Mahal are not allowed to take photographs inside the mausoleum. They are also not allowed to bring in food or drinks. This is to prevent damage to the structure and to keep it clean.
- Entry to the Taj Mahal is free for children under 15 years of age.
- The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the crowds are thinner.
- If you want to avoid standing in long lines, you should consider buying your tickets online in advance.
Conclusion
The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful structures in the world. It is a testament to the love between Emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Rich in symbolism and history, this mausoleum is a must-see destination for anyone visiting India.