The Timeless Beauty of the Taj Mahal
Nestled on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, stands a monument that has transcended time, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture known across the world as the Taj Mahal. Spread across 42 acres, this ethereal tomb is not just an epitome of beauty but also the bearer of a heart-wrenching love story that has resonated through centuries.
This 400-year-old edifice, once the largest and most magnificent structure of its time, is now celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It took 20,000 laborers, working tirelessly for 22 years, to bring this magnificent structure to life. Today, the Taj Mahal, clad in gleaming white marble, is estimated to be worth over $1 billion, a testament to the incredible skill and dedication of the Mughal architects and engineers who crafted it.
The Ingenious Architecture of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal’s architecture is a marvel in itself, showcasing the brilliance of the Mughal architects who left behind their marks of genius. As one approaches the Taj Mahal from the main gate, the structure appears grand and imposing. However, as you move closer, it seems to contract in size—a clever optical illusion designed to enhance its grandeur.
The four minarets at each corner of the Taj Mahal are another example of this architectural ingenuity. Unlike traditional vertical pillars, these minarets lean slightly outwards. This design serves two purposes: from a distance, they appear perfectly straight, and in the event of an earthquake, they would fall outwards, thus protecting the main structure.
But why were the architects so determined to protect this monument? What secrets does the Taj Mahal hold that were concealed 400 years ago? And in an era devoid of concrete or steel, how was this magnificent tomb and its towering 40-meter high dome constructed? To understand this, we must journey back to the year 1607.
The Love Story Behind the Taj Mahal
In 1607, the Mughal Empire ruled over a vast region that included much of India, Pakistan, and parts of Afghanistan. On a significant day in this year, Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram, the youngest son of the Mughal emperor, celebrated his 15th birthday. Khurram was his father’s favorite child, and each year on his birthday, he was weighed with diamonds and gold, which he received as gifts.
However, this birthday was special for another reason—Khurram’s marriage was arranged with Arjumand Banu Begum, the daughter of one of the emperor’s lawyers. The young couple fell deeply in love from the moment they met, a love that would soon become legendary. Arjumand Banu Begum was later given the title Mumtaz Mahal, meaning “the chosen one of the palace.”
For the next decade, Khurram, now known as Shah Jahan, fought numerous battles and emerged victorious. In recognition of his achievements, he was given the title “Shah Jahan,” meaning “Emperor of the World.” Although Shah Jahan had six wives, Mumtaz Mahal was his most beloved, and he spent most of his time with her.
Tragedy Strikes the Mughal Empire
In 1621, the Mughal emperor died, and after a period of uncertainty, Shah Jahan ascended to the throne in 1628. The empire was at its peak, flourishing under Shah Jahan’s rule. However, just a year after his coronation, the empire found itself embroiled in a prolonged war. Though Shah Jahan emerged victorious, the joy of his victory was short-lived.
In 1631, while delivering their 14th child, Mumtaz Mahal fell gravely ill and passed away on June 17th. Her death plunged the entire empire into mourning, but none more so than Shah Jahan himself. The loss of his first love and most cherished wife shattered his world. It is said that the grief-stricken emperor neither ate nor drank for eight days, and for two years, he refrained from listening to music or wearing perfumes.
Before her death, Mumtaz Mahal had expressed a final wish—to be buried in a tomb that would be the most beautiful in the world. Determined to honor her last request, Shah Jahan vowed to dedicate his life and wealth to constructing a monument that would immortalize their love.
Six months after Mumtaz Mahal’s death, construction of the Taj Mahal began. Shah Jahan ordered 20,000 laborers, sculptors, and craftsmen from across the empire to work on the project. The location of the tomb, on the banks of the Yamuna River, presented significant challenges. The soft soil near the river made it difficult to build a stable foundation.
The Construction of the Taj Mahal
To overcome this, Mughal engineers devised an ingenious solution. They dug numerous wells until they reached dry soil. These wells were then filled with rocks and rubble, creating a solid foundation upon which large columns of stone were erected. Armies of elephants were used to carry out this monumental task.
With the foundation in place, the focus shifted to designing a building unlike anything the world had ever seen. Shah Jahan drew inspiration from the tombs of his ancestors. The idea for the minarets came from his father’s tomb, the central structure from his grandfather’s, and the dome from his uncle’s. Combining these elements resulted in the breathtaking design of the Taj Mahal.
The Marble and Decoration of the Taj Mahal
The main structure of the Taj Mahal was completed after years of hard work, but the final touch was the decoration of the tomb with marble. Shah Jahan sourced the marble from Makrana, Rajasthan, 400 kilometers away from Agra. Makrana marble is renowned as the finest in the world, and Shah Jahan reserved the entire supply for the Taj Mahal.
The marble was transported to Agra by thousands of elephants. The Taj Mahal’s dome, which is 40 meters high, is an engineering marvel. Today, such a dome might be constructed using a steel structure, but 400 years ago, the Mughal engineers relied solely on stone. The precision of their stress calculations continues to impress modern engineers.
The finishing touches on the Taj Mahal included the intricate decoration of Pietra Dura, a technique involving inlaying precious stones into marble. The stones were carefully cut and shaped, then attached using a special glue made from sheera (sugar syrup), lemon juice, and marble powder—a formula that is still used in the restoration of the Taj Mahal.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Taj Mahal is how it changes color throughout the day. Before sunrise, it takes on a black hue. As the sun rises, it shifts to a light yellow and pink shade. By noon, the Taj Mahal appears a brilliant white, like a pearl against the blue sky. At sunset, it glows with a golden hue, creating a mesmerizing sight.
The Completion of the Taj Mahal
After 22 years of construction, the Taj Mahal was finally completed in 1654. Shah Jahan had succeeded in fulfilling his promise to Mumtaz Mahal, creating a monument that would stand as a testament to their love for eternity. The Taj Mahal was named after Mumtaz Mahal, ensuring that her memory would be forever etched in history.
Every year, on the anniversary of Mumtaz Mahal’s death, Shah Jahan would visit the Taj Mahal, arriving via the Yamuna River. A special entrance to the monument was built exclusively for the royal family. The walls of this entrance are adorned with exquisite sculptures, designed to please the eyes of the royals.
The Downfall of Shah Jahan
Despite the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, its construction took a heavy toll on the Mughal Empire. The immense cost of the project drained the royal treasury, leaving the empire financially weakened. In 1658, just four years after the completion of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan’s son, Aurangzeb, overthrew him and seized the throne.
Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the Agra Fort, where he spent the last eight years of his life. His only solace was a view of the Taj Mahal from his prison window. In 1666, at the age of 74, Shah Jahan passed away. He was buried beside Mumtaz Mahal, reunited with her in the monument that he had built in her memory.
1. Why did Shah Jahan build the Taj Mahal?
Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal to fulfill the last wish of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who wanted to be buried in the most beautiful tomb in the world. The Taj Mahal stands as a testament to their eternal love.
2. How long did it take to build the Taj Mahal?
The construction of the Taj Mahal took 22 years, from 1632 to 1654. Over 20,000 laborers, artisans, and craftsmen were involved in its creation.
3. What is the significance of the changing colors of the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal changes color throughout the day, reflecting the changing light of the sun. Before sunrise, it appears black, at sunrise, it takes on a yellow and pink hue, by noon it is brilliantly white, and at sunset, it glows golden. These color changes symbolize the different moods of a woman, particularly Mumtaz Mahal.
Conclusion
The Taj Mahal is more than just an architectural wonder; it is a symbol of undying love, a story of devotion that transcends time. Shah Jahan’s immense grief at the loss of Mumtaz Mahal led him to create a monument that the world would marvel at for centuries. Today, the Taj Mahal stands as a testament to the power of love and the enduring legacy of the Mughal Empire’s architectural brilliance. It is a reminder that even in the face of loss, something beautiful can emerge—something that the world will remember forever.
