Rabindranath Tagore described the Taj Mahal as “a tear on the cheek of immortality,” Rudyard Kipling as “the personification of all that is immaculate,” and its creator, Emperor Shah Jahan, said that “the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.” Every year, tourists twice the population of Agra pass through the gates of the city to see, at least once in their lives, the building rightly called by many the most beautiful in the world. Few people leave disappointed.

This is truly a monument, beautiful in all seasons. There are those who love the sight of the Taj Mahal on Sharad Purnima, the first full moon after the monsoons, on a cloudless evening in October when the light is clearest and most romantic. Others like to view it at the height of the heaviest rains, when the marble becomes translucent and its reflection in the canals of the gardens surrounding the mausoleum is washed out in the rippling water. But it makes a mesmerizing impression at any time of the year and at any moment of the day. At dawn, its color changes from milky to silver and pink, and at sunset it looks as if made of gold. Look at it also in the midday light, when it is blindingly white.

Dawn over the Taj Mahal

Story

Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan

The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to his 14th child in 1631. Mumtaz's death broke the emperor's heart. They say he turned gray overnight. Construction of the Taj Mahal began the following year. It is believed that the main building was built in 8 years, but the entire complex was completed only in 1653. Shortly before the completion of construction, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in the Agra fort, where he spent the remaining days looking at his creation through the window of the dungeon. After his death in 1666, Shah Jahan was buried here next to Mumtaz.

In total, about 20,000 people from India and Central Asia were employed in construction. Specialists were brought from Europe to make beautiful carved marble panels and decorate them in the Pietra Dura style (inlay using thousands of semi-precious stones).

In 1983, the Taj Mahal was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and today looks as immaculate as it did after construction, although large-scale restoration was carried out at the beginning of the 20th century. In 2002, as the building gradually lost its color due to the heavy pollution of the city, it was refreshed using an ancient recipe for a facial mask used by Indian women to maintain beautiful skin. This mask is called multani mitti - a mixture of earth, cereal grains, milk and lemon. Now, within a few hundred meters around the building, only environmentally friendly vehicles are allowed.

Panorama of the Taj Mahal

Architecture

Persian calligraphy

It is not known exactly who the architect of the Taj Mahal was, but the credit for its creation is often attributed to an Indian architect of Persian origin named Ustad Ahmad Lahori. Construction began in 1630. From Persia Ottoman Empire and European countries, the best masons, artisans, sculptors and calligraphers were invited. The complex, located on the southwestern bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, consists of five main buildings: the darwaza, or main gate; bageecha, or garden; masjid, or mosque; the nakkar zana, or rest house, and the rauza, the mausoleum itself, where the tomb is located.

Flowers carved in marble

The unique style of the Taj Mahal combines elements of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. Among the complex's highlights are a black-and-white checkerboard marble floor, four 40-meter minarets at the corners of the mausoleum, and a majestic dome in the center.

Arched vault

Qur'anic verses written around arched openings appear to be the same size no matter how far they are from the floor - an optical illusion created by larger fonts and letter spacing as the height of the inscription increases. There are other optical illusions in the Taj Mahal mausoleum. Impressive pietra dura decorations include geometric elements, as well as images of plants and flowers, traditional for Islamic architecture. The level of craftsmanship and complexity of the work on the monument become clear when you start to look at the small details: for example, in some places more than 50 precious inlays were used on one decorative element measuring 3 cm.

The gateway to the mausoleum gardens can be admired as a masterpiece in its own right, with graceful marble arches, domed chambers on the four corner towers and two rows of 11 small chattris (domes-umbrellas) right above the entrance. They provide the perfect frame for a first look at the entire ensemble.

Char Bagh (four gardens)- an integral part of the Taj Mahal, in spiritual sense symbolizing paradise, where Mumtaz Mahal ascended, and in artistic sense emphasizing the color and texture of the mausoleum. Dark cypress trees enhance the shine of the marble, and the channels (in those rare cases when they are full), converging on a wide central viewing platform, not only provide a wonderful second image of the monument, but also, since they reflect the sky, add soft illumination from below at dawn and sunset.

Unfortunately, vandals stole all the treasures of the tomb, but the delicate beauty of roses and poppies was still preserved in richly inlaid slabs of onyx, green peridot, carnelian and agate of various colors.

Minaret

On both sides of the mausoleum there are two almost identical buildings: to the west - a mosque, to the east - a building that may have served as a pavilion for guests, although its main purpose was to provide complete symmetry to the entire architectural ensemble. Each of them looks beautiful - try looking at the pavilion at sunrise, and the mosque at sunset. Also walk out to the back of the Taj Mahal, to a terrace overlooking the Jumna River all the way to the Agra Fort. At dawn the best (and cheap) the viewpoint is located on the opposite bank of the river, where, according to popular (but probably unreliable) According to legend, Shah Jahan planned to install a mirror made of completely black marble, reflecting the Taj Mahal. A line of boats lined up along the shore, ready to transport tourists across the river.

Top of the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal itself stands on a raised marble platform at the northern end of the ornamental gardens, with its back facing the Yamuna River. The elevated position means that “only the sky is higher” - this is an elegant move by the designers. Decorative 40-meter white minarets adorn the building on all four corners of the platform. After more than three centuries, they tilted slightly, but perhaps this was intentional (installation at a slight angle from the building) so that in the event of an earthquake they would not fall on the Taj Mahal, but away from it. The red sandstone mosque on the western side is an important temple for the Muslims of Agra.

Cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal

The Taj Mahal mausoleum was built from translucent white marble blocks, on which flowers are carved and a mosaic of thousands of semi-precious stones is laid out. It is a superb example of symmetry - the four identical sides of the Taj with magnificent arches decorated with scroll carvings in the Pietra Dura style and quotations from the Koran, carved in calligraphy and decorated with jasper. The entire structure is topped by four small domes surrounding the famous central onion dome.

Immediately below the main dome is the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal, a tomb (false) fine workmanship, surrounded by perforated marble slabs, decorated with dozens of different semi-precious stones. Here, breaking the symmetry, is the cenotaph of Shah Jahan, who was buried by his son Aurangzeb who overthrew him in 1666. Light penetrates into the central room through carved marble screens. The real tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are in a closed room on the ground floor below the main hall. They cannot be seen.

Requiem in Marble

Mahal means "palace", but in in this case Taj Mahal - diminutive name Mumtaz Mahal ("jewel of the palace") which was given cousin Shah Jahan when she married him. The daughter of his mother's brother, she was his constant companion long before he received the throne, and later she was the first lady among hundreds of others in his harem. During 19 years of marriage, she bore him 14 children and died giving birth to her last child in 1631.

Legend has it that Shah Jahan's beard - he was 39 years old, just a year old older than wife, - turned white virtually overnight after her death, and he continued to mourn for several years, dressing in white on each anniversary of her death. The construction of the Taj Mahal required twelve years of his tireless work with a Persian architect and craftsmen brought from Baghdad, Italy and France - a period that can be considered the highest expression of his grief. “The Empire has no sweetness for me now,” he wrote. “Life itself has lost all taste for me.”

Myths about the Taj Mahal

Taj - Hindu temple

A popular theory is that the Taj was actually a Shiva temple built in the 12th century. and later was transformed into the well-known Mumtaz Mahal mausoleum, owned by Purushottam Nagesh Oak. He asked to open the sealed basement rooms of the Taj to prove his theory, but in 2000, the Supreme Court of India rejected his request. Purushottam Nagesh also states that the Kaaba, Stonehenge and the papacy are also of Hindu origin.

Black Taj Mahal

This is the story that Shah Jahan planned to build a black marble twin of the Taj Mahal on the opposite side of the river as his own mausoleum, and this work was started by his son Aurangzeb after imprisoning his father in the Agra fort. Intensive excavations in the Mehtab Bagh area have not confirmed this assumption. No traces of construction were found.

Dismemberment of the Masters

Legend says that after the construction of the Taj was completed, Shah Jahan ordered the hands to be cut off and the eyes of the craftsmen to be gouged out so that they could never repeat it. Fortunately, this story has not found any historical confirmation.

The sinking Taj Mahal

Some experts claim that, according to some sources, the Taj Mahal is slowly leaning towards the river bed and this is caused by changes in the soil due to the gradual drying of the Yamuna River. The Archaeological Survey of India declared the existing changes in the height of the building to be minor, adding that no structural changes or damage were found in the 70 years since the first scientific research Taj Mahal, held in 1941

Taj Mahal Museum

The Taj Mahal complex includes the small but wonderful Taj Museum (entrance 5 rupees; 10:00-17:00 Saturday-Thursday). It is located in the western part of the gardens. The museum houses original Mughal miniatures, a pair of ivory portraits of Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (XVII century). There are also several well-preserved gold and silver coins from the same period, architectural drawings of the Taj, and several elegant celadon plates that are rumored to shatter into pieces or change color if there was poison in the food on the plate.

The best views of the Taj Mahal

On the territory of the Taj

You will have to pay 750 rupees for the pleasure, but only inside the complex around the Taj Mahal you can fully experience all the beauty and power of the most beautiful building on earth. Be sure to pay attention to the mosaic (Pietra Dura) inside niches with arches (pishtakov) on the four outer walls. Don't forget to take a flashlight with you to better see similar patterns inside the dark central hall of the mausoleum. Pay attention to the white marble and semi-precious stones interspersed with it.

The main thing is to “get in”

From Mehtab Bagh

Tourists are no longer allowed to walk freely along the embankment on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River, but it is still possible to admire the Taj Mahal from behind, from Mehtaba Bagh Park (XVI century) on the other side of the river. The path leading down to the river will lead you to a place where the same views can be enjoyed for free, albeit from a limited perspective.

View from the south bank of the river

This is a great place to watch the sunset. Follow the path that runs along the eastern wall of the Taj Mahal down to a small temple by the river. There you will find boats that you can ride on the river and enjoy even more romantic views. Expect to pay approximately 100 rupees per boat. For safety reasons, it is better not to go here alone at sunset.

From the roof of a cafe in Taj Ganj

A great option for photographing at dawn is the rooftops of a cafe in Taj Ganj. The pictures come out very beautiful. We think the rooftop cafe at Saniya Palace Hotel is the best place. The location is great, there is a lot of greenery around. But in principle such good places there are many, and they all offer as a bonus a view of the Taj Mahal, which you can admire while enjoying your morning coffee.

Territory of the Taj Mahal

From Agra Fort

If you have a camera with a decent lens, you can take stunning photographs of the Taj Mahal from Agra Fort, especially if you are prepared to get up at dawn and catch the moment when the sun rises from behind its walls. Perhaps, best places for filming are the Musamman Burj and Khas Mahal, the octagonal tower and palace where Shah Jahan was imprisoned and where he spent the last eight years of his life.

Information for visitors

Taj Mahal opening hours

The mausoleum is open daily from 6 am to 7 pm, except Friday (On this day it is open only to those who come to the Friday service at the mosque on the territory of the Taj Mahal).

You can also admire the Taj Mahal at moonlight– two days before and two days after the full moon, the mausoleum is open in the evening hours – from 20.30 to midnight.

Entrance

Entrance to Taj Mahal costs 750 INR (about $12), children under 15 years of age – admission is free.

Best time to visit Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is magnificent at sunrise. This is definitely best time for visiting, and there are fewer people during these hours. Sunset is another magical time when you can enjoy wonderful views. You can view the Taj for five nights during the full moon period. The number of entries is limited. Tickets must be purchased a day before the visit from the Archaeological Survey of India Office (12227263; www.asi.nic.in; 22 Mall; Indians/foreigners 510/750 INR). Read more on their website. Please note that this office is known as Taj Mahal Office among rickshaw drivers.

Photo and video shooting

Photo and video shooting with professional equipment is prohibited (DSLR cameras, due to their great popularity among tourists, are usually not considered professional equipment, but there may be problems if you have a very large lens). Permission to shoot with a regular camera will cost an additional 25 INR.

Sunlit Taj Mahal

How to get there

The Taj Mahal is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in the city of Agra - it is approximately 200 km away. from Delhi.

The following trains operate from Delhi to Agra:

• Shatabdi Express - leaves New Delhi Station at 6:00 am, returns at 20:40 (travel time 2 hours).
• “Taj-Express” - departs from Nizamuddin Station at 7:15, back at 18:50 (travel time 3 hours).
• In addition to them, all trains to Kolkata, Mumbai and Gwalior go through Agra.

In addition, you can get to Agra by bus (express from 3 hours), taxi (2000 INR) or by ordering a group tour (from 1500 INR, including entrance tickets).

From Agra itself you can get to the Taj Mahal by rickshaw or taxi.

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The Taj Mahal is a white marble palace, one of the most grandiose monuments of Indian architecture with a luxurious interior decoration and stunningly beautiful park. It is the last gift from Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to his late wife Mumtaz Mahal, and is the country's main and most popular attraction, visited by thousands of tourists every year.

The Legend of the Taj Mahal

An ancient and very beautiful romantic legend is associated with the Taj Mahal. The Indian Shah Jahan was fascinated by the beauty of a poor girl who was selling at a local market and married her. Soon she became his beloved wife and lived with the Shah 17 happy years. However, the happiness was not destined to last forever, and Mumtaz Mahal died during the birth of their fourteenth child. Jahan could not forget her and was never happy again.

In memory of his beloved wife and the years of their marital happiness, the Indian ruler ordered the construction of the most beautiful mausoleum in the world, the most beautiful of which is not in the whole world. The best architects and craftsmen of India and Europe were involved in the work - about 20 thousand people in total. Construction lasted for 20 long years, and a luxurious structure was built on the coast of the Jumna River, which still delights everyone who sees it.

Despite numerous earthquakes in these parts, it was never destroyed and was not damaged at all.

Park, architecture, interiors

The mausoleum building creates a unique architectural ensemble combined with a park that is laid out around it. The entire structure is made of snow-white marble, the square facade is pierced by semicircular niches, and thanks to this it looks as if weightless, despite its massiveness. The impression of “floating” is also created by the reflections of the facades in the canals of the gardens that surround the mausoleum. And the most amazing feature of this building is the ability to change its color depending on the time of day and the weather. In the rain it looks translucent, in the morning it glows pink, and at sunset it shimmers gold. The interior walls of the mausoleum are decorated with painted tiles and inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones and pearls.

Previously, the luxury of the Taj Mahal was even more impressive: entrance doors were made of pure silver, but like many other valuable interior items, they were stolen. However, the Taj Mahal still impresses with its luxury and rich decoration.

Practical information

How to get there: The Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra (200 km from Delhi). You can get there by any train that goes to Kolkata, Mumbai and Gwalior (all of them go through Agra), the travel time is 2-3 hours. From Agra to the mausoleum - by rickshaw or taxi.

Opening hours: the mausoleum is open daily, except Friday, during daylight hours.

Entrance: for foreigners - 1000 INR, for Indian citizens - 650 INR. Prices on the page are as of August 2018.

The mausoleum-mosque of the Taj Mahal is a recognized masterpiece world heritage and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, which is located in the city of Agra near the Jamna River in India. The mosque was built in the 17th century by order of Shah Jahan, the padishah of the Mughal Empire, who dedicated the construction of the Taj Mahal to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (later the Indian Shah himself was buried here).

The history of the creation of the Taj Mahal mausoleum in India

The creation of the Taj Mahal is associated with the legend of the love of the padishah Shah Jahan and the girl Mumtaz Mahal, who traded in the local market. The Indian ruler was so fascinated by her beauty that they soon got married. IN happy marriage 14 children were born, but during the birth of the last child, Mumtaz Mahal died. Shah Jahan was depressed by the death of his beloved wife and in her memory ordered the construction of a mausoleum, which is nowhere more beautiful.

Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. About 20 thousand craftsmen and workers from all over the empire were involved in the construction. A group of architects worked on the mosque, but the main idea belongs to Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, there is also a version that the main author of the project is the Persian architect Ustad Isa (Isa Muhammad Effendi).

Construction of the tomb and platform took approximately 12 years. Over the next ten years, minarets, a mosque, a jawab and a Great Gate were erected.

Tombs of the Padishah Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal

Taj Mahal - wonder of the world: mosque architecture

The Taj Mahal Palace is a five-domed structure with 4 minarets at the corners. Inside the mausoleum there are two tombs - the Shah and his wife.

The mosque was built on a platform; the strength of the foundation is due to the fact that the level of the platform was raised 50 meters above the level of the bank of the Jamna River. The total height of the Taj Mahal is 74 meters. In front of the building there is a three-hundred-meter garden with fountains and a marble pool; at a certain angle, the entire structure is symmetrically reflected in its waters.

The most notable component of the Indian Taj Mahal is the white marble dome. The walls are also lined with polished translucent marble with elements of precious stones and semi-precious stones (pearls, sapphires, turquoise, agate, malachite, carnelian and others). The Taj Mahal Mosque is designed in accordance with Islamic religious tradition, the interior is decorated with abstract symbols and lines from the Koran.

The Taj Mahal is considered a pearl Muslim art in the country of India and best example Mughal style architecture that combines Indian, Persian and Arabic elements.

• Since 2007, the Indian Taj Mahal has been included in the list of New 7 Wonders of the World.
• What is the Taj Mahal? This name is translated from Persian as “The Greatest Palace” (“Taj” - crown, “Mahal” - palace).
• Many valuable interior items of the Taj Mahal were stolen - precious stones, gems, the crown of the main dome - a golden spire and even the entrance doors made of silver.
• Due to the characteristics of marble, different time day and depending on the weather, the Taj Mahal Mosque can change color: during the day the building looks white, at dawn pink, and at moonlit night- silver.
• Tens of thousands of people visit the Taj Mahal every day; per year - from 3 to 5 million people. Peak season is October, November and February.
• The Taj Mahal has been depicted in many films, the most popular of which are: “Armageddon”, “Mars Attacks!”, “Until I Play the Box”, “Life After People”, “The Last Dance”, “Slumdog Millionaire”.
• Airplanes are prohibited from flying over the Taj Mahal.

How to visit: price, tickets, opening hours

Entry fee*: for foreigners - 1000 INR**, for Indian citizens - 530 INR.**

*The ticket includes a visit to the Taj Mahal, the ancient fort (Agra Fort) and the Baby Taj - the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula.
**INR - Indian Rupee (1000 INR = 15.32 $)
** Prices are as of October 2017

Opening hours:

• Daytime: 6:00 - 19:00 ( weekdays, except Fridays - a day of prayer in the mosque).
• Evening time: 20:30 - 00:30 (2 days before and 2 days after the full moon, except Fridays and the month of Ramadan).

Visiting rules: Only small handbags are allowed into the Taj Mahal, Cell phones, cameras, small video cameras, water in transparent bottles.

How to get to the Taj Mahal Temple

Address where Taj Mahal is located: India, Uttar Pradesh, Agra, Tejginj district, Forest Colony, Dharmaperi.

If you are vacationing in Goa and want to go to the Taj Mahal, then there are no direct flights from Goa Airport to Agra. You can fly to Delhi, and from there there are daily flights to the city of Agra. The distance between Goa and Agra is approximately 2000 km.

From Delhi to Agra on your own: by plane - 3-4 hours travel; by bus - $15-20 (3 hours travel); by morning train 12002 Bhopal Shatabdi - $5-10 (2-3 hours travel).

The easiest way: book an excursion or organize an individual tour to Agra with a visit to the Taj Mahal. The most popular: Goa-Agra tour, Delhi-Agra tour.

Taj Mahal on the map in Agra:

To be closer to a popular attraction or see the Taj Mahal from the rooftops of hotels and guesthouses, book hotels in Agra using the convenient Planet of Hotels service.

The Taj Mahal is a world heritage masterpiece and one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, located in the city of Agra near the Jamna River in India. The mosque was built in the 17th century by order of Shah Jahan, the padishah of the Mughal Empire, who dedicated the construction of the Taj Mahal to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (later the Indian Shah himself was buried here).

In the second third of the 17th century. representative of the Mughal dynasty (1526–1858) Shihab ad-din Shah Jihan I (1628–1657) built the magnificent Taj Mahal mausoleum near Agra. , erected at the behest of Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz, who died early, is considered the pinnacle of architectural structures of the Muslim type. The Taj Mahal was created in the Mughal style - a mixture of Indian, Persian and Islamic architecture traditions. The complex includes five main elements: a gate, a garden, a mosque, a jawab and the mausoleum itself. Shah Jahan carefully selected and adjusted the design of the mausoleum, turning to the best architects of the East at that time. The main idea was developed by Ustad Mohammed Isa Effendi, a Byzantine Turk, a student of the largest Turkish architect Sinan, a Greek by birth. Indian masters participated in the development of the project, Central Asia, Persia, Arabia. Shah Jahan himself chose the site for the unheard of mausoleum below Agra on the right bank of the Jamuna. Construction lasted from 1631 to 1647; About 20 thousand workers were constantly employed there.

The Taj Mahal mausoleum, together with the surrounding park, occupies a significant area of ​​17 hectares. Access to the gardens and to the mausoleum is open from the southern side of the garden, where two entrance portals, decorated with traditional chattris, stand on the same line. After this, the visitor enters the territory of a clearly planned garden, which is divided into squares by four channels, at the intersection of which there is a swimming pool. The mausoleum building itself is located on the north side.

The tomb was erected on an artificial platform on the banks of the Jamna River. The platform is paved with white marble. The mausoleum, attributed to the Indian architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, is a compact building made of white marble with the traditional cut corners of Indian architecture, with a large dome and four chattris on the roof. The building is entirely made of white marble, which perfectly reflects the sun's rays. According to legend, the Shah wanted a separate black mausoleum to be built for him on the opposite bank of the Dzhamna River. However, Shah Jihan was dethroned by his own son Aurangzeb.

On the eastern and western borders of the Taj Mahal complex, strictly along the transverse axis relative to the main building, there are two red sandstone buildings. Each building is topped with three white domes. And although they have a different purpose (on the right is “Javab” - a shelter for eminent guests, and on the left is a mosque where memorial services were held), all the buildings logically fit into the memorial complex.

In the center of the platform there is a tomb with a square plan with beveled corners. WITH inside The walls are surrounded by a bypass corridor with octagonal chambers at each corner. In the center there is an 8-sided burial chamber, topped with a low dome; Portals lead inside it, one on each side. The chamber contains the cenotaphs of the Taj Mahal and Shah Jahan, surrounded by an openwork marble enclosure (their surface is inlaid with semi-precious stones), while the original burials are in the crypt directly below the chamber . From the outside, the arched portal on each façade is flanked by two tiers of niches, and the entire structure is topped by an onion dome raised high above the shallow inner domed bowl of the burial chamber. Simple proportions determine the plan and the relationship of the verticals: the width of the building is equal to its total height of 75 m, and the distance from the floor level to the parapet above the arched portals is half the entire height.

Above the main room (according to the tradition in Indian architecture) two domes are raised - one inside the other. The outer dome is topped with a spire, and the inner (smaller) dome is made in order to maintain harmony with the interior space. This constructive solution appeared in the Timurid era, and in India it was first used during the construction of the mausoleum (1518) of the Delhi ruler Nizam Khan Sikandar II (1489–1517) from the Lodi dynasty.

Ornamentation internal surfaces The Taj Mahal is striking in its elegance. Gems and multi-colored marble were used in decoration. Thus, the epigraphic decor is made of black marble, reproducing the suras of the Koran in suls handwriting. It is known that the Mughal emperors were passionate about flora: they planted flower beds and rose gardens, special plantations of ornamental plants. This love is fully present in the decoration of the interior of the mausoleum. A mosaic of multi-colored pieces of agate, carnelian, lapis lazuli, onyx, turquoise, amber, jasper and coral reproduces the flower garlands and bouquets decorating the walls of the funeral hall. One gets the impression that the Taj Mahal was created not as a tomb, but as a monument to the emperor’s love for his incomparable wife Mumtaz Mahal (Mumtaz - “incomparable”, Arabic).

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, a quote from the Koran is carved, addressed to the righteous and ending with the words “enter my paradise.” Considering that in the Mughal language of that time the words “paradise” and “garden” are written the same way, one can understand Shah Jahan’s plan - to build paradise and place his beloved within it.

Opposite the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan ordered the construction of the same mausoleum made of black marble - for himself. But as soon as the builders had time to deliver the first blocks of black marble, one of the eldest sons of the inconsolable Shah - Jahangir - overthrew his father from the throne. He asked only for one thing - that the Taj Mahal be visible from the place of his imprisonment.

Shah Jahan ended his days in a secluded tower two kilometers from the mausoleum he built, looking at it from a small window. When his vision weakened, a large emerald was cut into the wall opposite the window, in which the snow-white tomb of his beloved Mumiaz was reflected.

A well-known legend claims that the Taj Mahal is the tomb of the wife of the Mughal (Mughal - dynasty of rulers of India 1526-1858) Shah Jahan. It is believed that this architectural monument took 22 years to build (1631-1653), after which the Shah wanted to build a similar structure, but from black marble, for himself. Realizing that such construction would ultimately ruin the state, the king’s own son put an end to this idea by putting his father in prison. However, this is only one theory about the origin of the Taj Mahal. Beautiful, attractive for tourists. Romantic. Is it true?

alternative history

There are those who challenge the official theory, pointing to the following facts:

Muslim rulers often established tombs in captured temples and palaces.

In the archives of the Maharaja of Jaipur at that time, there are two orders from Jahan to transfer the Taj to Jahan.

The name "Taj Mahal" does not appear in Mughal annals. Official theory refers the name to the name of the deceased, Mumtaz (Mumtaj) Mahal, but her name was actually different - Mumtaz-ul-Zamani.

The Mughal annals do not say anything about the mad love of Jahan and Mumtaz-ul-Zamani. This story has no historical basis.

A certain Albert Mandelslo, a European who visited Agra in 1638, 7 years after the death of King Jahan, made no mention of the traces of grandiose construction that undoubtedly should have remained. Another European, Peter Mundy, who was in Agra a year after Jahan's death, wrote about the Taj Mahal as a very ancient structure.

And finally, hydrocarbon analysis shows that the building is at least 300 years older than Jahan.

Professor P. N. Oak believes that the name "Taj Mahal" comes from the name of Sri Shiva - "Tejo Mahalaya", and the building itself is an ancient temple of Sri Shiva.

Many rooms of the Taj Mahal have been sealed since the time of Jahan.

It is also reported that Professor Oak's research was banned during the time of Indira Gandhi, whose name is still cursed by many Indians.

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 Lahauri 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. Basic architectural elements 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 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 form of a 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, 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 Grand 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 - pollution environment gradually leads 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.