Taj Mahal, often spelt Tadj Mahall, is a mausoleum complex in Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, in the west. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahn (reigned 1628–1588) erected the Taj Mahal to honour his wife Mumtaz Mahal (also known as the “Chosen One of the Palace”), who passed away in childbirth in 1631 after being the emperor’s constant companion since their marriage in 1612. It is located in the eastern section of the city on the southern (right) bank of the Yamuna (Jumna) River and is arguably the most well-known and recognisable structure in all of India. About one mile (1.6 km) west of the Taj Mahal, on the right side of the Yamuna, is Agra Fort (Red Fort).
The Taj Mahal is recognised as the best illustration of Mughal architecture, a synthesis of Indian, Persian, and Islamic traditions, in its harmonious proportions and seamless incorporation of decorative elements. Other attractions include exquisite gardens, a museum, and twin mosque structures that are positioned symmetrically on either side of the mausoleum. The Taj Mahal, one of the most exquisite architectural designs in the world and one of the most recognisable landmarks, attracts millions of people every year. In 1983, the complex received the UNESCO World Heritage designation.
History of construction
The complex’s blueprints have been credited to a number of historical architects, although the principal designer was most likely the Indian of Persian heritage Ustad Amad Lahawr. The main gateway, garden, mosque, jawb (literally, “answer”; a building that mirrors the mosque), and mausoleum (including its four minarets) were the five main components of the complex. Each was conceived and designed as a single unit in accordance with the rules of Mughal construction, which forbade any later additions or alterations. Construction started about 1632. The mausoleum itself took more than 20,000 labourers from India, Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and Europe to complete by around 1638–1639; the auxiliary structures were done by 1643, and decorating work lasted at least until 1647. The 42-acre (17-hectare) facility took 22 months to complete.
According to a legend, Shah Jahan initially planned to construct a second mausoleum across the river to store his own bones. It was planned for the building to be made of black marble and to be connected to the Taj Mahal by a bridge. However, he was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb in 1658 and spent the remainder of his life in Agra Fort.