Taj mahal

Taj mahal facts

• Year of construction- 1631
• Year of completion- 1653
• Time taken to build- 22 years
• Built by- Mughal emperor Shahjahan
• Dedicated- Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Bano Begum) wife of Shah Jahan
• Location- Agra in Uttar Pradesh India
• Style of Architecture- Combination of Persian, Islamic and indo architecture.
• Houses- Tomb of Mumtaz Mahal
• Architect- Ustaad Ahmed Lauri
• Cost of construction- 32 crore rupees
• Number of workers- 20,000
• taj mahal visiting hours- From sunrise to sunset .but the monument is closed on Fridays
• Taj Mahal fees- Rs 20 in case of Indian tourist

Rs 750 in case of foreign tourist

Rs 510 in case of citizens (SAARC and BIMSTEC countries)

No entry fees for those below the age of 15 (foreign and Indians)

Taj Mahal is UNESCO world heritage site and is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

• Night viewing charges of the Taj Mahal- Rs 510 for Indian tourist and Rs 750 for foreign tourist
• Timings for night viewing- 20.30 to 00.30 hours
• Duration of the visit- 30 minutes
• Limit of batches allowed at the Taj Mahal- Maximum number of people allowed 400, divided into 8 batches of 50 each.

The supreme and pristine Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the crown of all monuments in India. Edged in immortality as the eternal monument of love it a symbol of deep love, attachment and companionship shared between two individuals that has stood the invariable test of time and ages. However it must be noted that this monument is multifaceted. It is also speaks of the indulgences of an era which was inclined to art science and architecture and was backed by an over flowing treasure and political security. Often noted as Agra’s window to the entire world the monument not only baptizes visitors in the passion of love but also stands as a reminder of India’s distinctive fabric that is inclusive, of all communities and races. Travel to the Taj Mahal certainly enables visitors to experience the intangible love in tangible finery and memory.

Reason for the Taj Mahal- Love it was made them together and it was this same love that promoted one of the most influential individuals of the time Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal in his wife’s memory. She was his constant companion and trusted confidant with whom he shared an indelible and intense relationship. Her passing away in 1631 simply left a void in the life of the emperor who was simply inconsolable following the same. Mumtaz Mahal’s death prompted the emperor to self inforced exile where he detested all his glory and finery. Considered as a patron of Islamic architecture the king found it fitting to dedicate this monument to wife drawn with great care and understanding and also with keen sense of precision.

Designing the Taj- The designing of the Taj is riddled mystery. While many credit the Venetian architect Verneo as the designer of the monument, fact state that the structure was designed by Ustaad Ahmed Lauri. The emperor was intent on having every detail in place in the best possible manner. Precision was the main feature in hours of strenuous mental and physical labor that was employed in the construction of the ‘marvel of marvels’. Very little is known about the other who played a key role in building this monument that is considered as the finest in Persian and indo Islamic architecture. However these makers remembered here reflect as much the confluence that the monument is part of.

• Designer of the dome- Ismail Afandi ( Ismail Khan)
• Key members of the architectural design- Ustaad Isa and Isa Mohammed Afandi
• Supervising architect- Puru from Beneras
• Solid Gold finial (canopy, roof)- Qazim Khan a native of Lahore
• Chief Sculptor and also in charge of mosaics- Chiranjilal
• Chief Calligrapher- Amanat Khan from Iran
• Superior of maisons- Muhammed Hanif
• Finance and daily production- Mir Abdul Karim and Mukkarimat Khan of Shiraz

Taj Mahal architecture- Taj Mahal architecture reflect a strong interest of the of the builder in innovation in architecture. The monument at that time presents a new architectural style clad in supreme while marble that illumes in the moonlight. This monument was built to represent Mumtaz Mahal’s heavenly abode in the highest and was described by poets of the time as piece of heaven on earth. This is not just a funeral monument. But is a precise understanding of building, decoration and geometrical planning that blended together to form a monument that not only radiates love but also to presents religious, intellectual and poetic ideas. Hence Taj Mahal is multifaceted monument edged in marble imbibing a number of significances and symbolism.

Taj Nestles On the Banks of Yamuna River-Located at the southern end of the city on the banks of the Yamuna River, the site where the taj stands belonged to a Hindu nobleman, Raja Man Singh. Abdul Rahman Lahori, the court historian recorded that five million rupees were spent on the building – a king’s ransom in those days. Once complete, the upkeep of the mausoleum and its 42-acre garden was funded with the revenue obtained from 30 neighbouring villages. There are three lofty gateways to the taj mahal complex. The central portal is richly decorated with floral arabesques and is inscribed with passages from the Koran. A huge forecourt leads onto a lush garden, which is divided by an aqueduct.
The main monument is a two-storeyed octagonal building with a huge rotunda as its crowning glory. Four sky-scraper tall minarets position themselves as sentries on each side of the monument – all built out of brick and encased in marble. the graves of the celebrated duo, Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are housed in the catacomb below. The taj is remarkable for its perfect proportions and rich pietra dura, and every minutia in the monument has been etched with consummate skill. In a nutshell, the Taj is the ‘Embodiment of the Islamic Concept of Paradise’

Taj Mahal Environmental Pollution- Over the years the Taj Mahal has been affected by a number of environmental problems. The whitish marbled monument has been turning yellow due to the sulphuric acid that is emitted into the atmosphere as a byproduct of industrial waste and carbon emissions. Acid rains have also to a certain extent eroded the detailing of the monuments that includes miniature minarets and calligraphy. However the Government of India has intervened in protecting and preserving the structure. This has been possible due to various green initiatives as well as the active support of the Archeological Society of India (ASI). The area around the Taj is now a green zone and vehicles running on fossil fuels are not allowed near the Mahal. 0 emission vehicles are allowed to run. Mostly Tongas and cycle rickshaws are used to ferry tourists and visitors. The Mathura oil factory which has been cited as the main means of pollution has been permanently shut down.

Taj Mahaotsav- The Taj Mahaotsav is invariably the best time to visit the Taj. This festival is held at the in Shilpagram or village of Sculptors that is located near the 17^th century monument. Folk artist of the region, skilled craftsman, drums beaters town criers and decked up elephants and camels recreate the times of the 17^th century. Culture and tradition come alive in these ten days. At this time there is also a sale of woods carving that are made by artist from Sarhanpur and neighbouring villages, handmade carpets from Badhoi, pottery from Khuja, silk from Beneras. Apart from craft articles that are on sale, this festival is also turns as a venue for leading dance and art forms from all over the country.

However it must be noted that the Taj can be visited any time during the year. The architectural marvel never ceases to amaze travelers irrespective of the time of the year.

Shopping at the Taj- At the entrance of the beautiful monument there are a number of shops that sell exquisite craft and art items that can be purchased at affordable prices. Leather footwear and embroidery is also a highlight of the stalls that line the beautiful market. However the most sort after takeaway or memorabilia, an all time favorite for travelers is the miniature marble Taj Mahals that are available.

Getting to taj Mahal

Air: Just 7 kms from Agra city lies Kheria airport. From Delhi, Indira Gandhi Airport, taj Mahal is just 204 kms away.
Rail: the nearest rail head for the taj Mahal is Agra Cantonement railway station. The city is connected with Palace on Wheels, Shatabdi and taj Express.
Road: Express bus services are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior, and Jhansi.