Taj Mahal is recognized as a precious jewel of India. No wonder this has been included as one of the seven wonders of the world. Some of the Western historians have also noticed its unsurpassed architectural beauty. Taj Mahal is a beautiful monument and was built by Mughals, India’s Muslim rulers. The structure was completely built using the finest white marbles. The stunning beauty of Taj Mahal Architecture is beyond enough description, most especially at sunset and dawn. This also exudes awesome glow at night under the full moon’s light for couple of days in a month.
The Taj Mahal was built by the Muslim Emperor Shah Jahan, who died in 1666 C.E in memory of his loving wife and the Queen Mumtaz Mahal. The popular structure was nestled in Agra India. Taj Mahal also means Crown Palace. This is a cozy mausoleum housing the grave of the Queen on the lower chamber. Shah Jahan’s grave was added into it later on. Shah Jahan is credited as the chief architect of the Taj Mahal. This is according to the manuscript in the 17th century.
A Closer Glimpse on the Awesome Architecture
Taj Mahal is renowned primarily for its unrivaled Mughal structure. Though the style combines Indian, Ottoman Turkish, and Persian elements, this was inspired by particular Mughal and Timurid buildings like the Gur-e Amir or the Tomb of Timur and Jama Masjid in Delhi. One notable difference in Taj Mahal Architecture is that while the previous Mughal buildings are built mainly using red sandstone, Shah Jahan prefers white marbles that are inlaid with fine and semi-precious stones.
The building complex is noted for its central features; the royal tomb that contains Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan’s cenotaphs. This is enclosed within a marble screen that is highly perforated. Built using rubber core and brick and veneered with spotless white marbles that are secured by metal dowels, the Taj Mahal Architecture stands tall and strong.
Taj Mahal is also comprised of the symmetrical building having an inner domed roof, which measures 24 meters or 80 feet high. The inner dome is vanquished by a remarkable onion-shaped and beautiful outer dome. This measures about 200 feet tall resting on the central drum and surrounded by 4 octagonal towers. Each tower supports the small-domed pavilion. The outer dome is said to be more appealing since this is crowned by brass finial that is 56 feet high and combines Hindustani and Persian styles.
There are tall, especially designed and decorative spires with finials extending upwards from walls. This gives added emphasis on the dome’s height. The Taj Mahal’s tomb complex is also surrounded by beautiful red sandstone walls and outside of the walls, there are various mausoleums especially built for the other wives of Shah Jahan. The major gateway to the complex is a big structure with pishtag arches embellished with calligraphy decorating the tomb while the walls and ceilings feature the same geographic designs.
Overall, the Taj Mahal Architecture depicts such a beautiful sense of balance and harmony between the buildings. The way this structure was created also expresses the feeling of peace. The entire complex signifies ethereal tranquility, as well.