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Egyptian Architecture - Report

The Taj Mahal, built between 1632 and 1648 CE by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of eternal love, showcasing Mughal architecture. Constructed primarily from white Makrana marble with intricate inlay work and featuring a perfectly symmetrical design, it includes significant structures such as the mausoleum, mosque, and gardens. The Taj Mahal's legacy as a masterpiece of architecture and a monument of devotion continues to attract millions of visitors each year.

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12 views2 pages

Egyptian Architecture - Report

The Taj Mahal, built between 1632 and 1648 CE by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of eternal love, showcasing Mughal architecture. Constructed primarily from white Makrana marble with intricate inlay work and featuring a perfectly symmetrical design, it includes significant structures such as the mausoleum, mosque, and gardens. The Taj Mahal's legacy as a masterpiece of architecture and a monument of devotion continues to attract millions of visitors each year.

Uploaded by

Kimberly Nadera
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Taj Mahal – Report

Definition and Significance


The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is one of the most iconic examples of Mughal architecture. Built
between 1632 and 1648 CE by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, it stands as
a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of eternal love. Recognized worldwide for its
breathtaking beauty, the Taj Mahal combines Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural traditions,
making it one of the most admired monuments in the world.

Historical Background

Commissioned by Shah Jahan following the death of Mumtaz Mahal in 1631.

Construction began in 1632 and was largely completed by 1648, with finishing touches continuing
until 1653.

Architects, artisans, and craftsmen were drawn from across the Mughal Empire and Central Asia.

The Taj Mahal reflects the golden age of Mughal architecture, blending refinement, symmetry, and
symbolism.

Materials and Construction Techniques

Primary Material: White Makrana marble, prized for its purity and luminosity.

Decorative Materials: Semi-precious stones (jade, crystal, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and amethyst) were
inlaid into the marble using pietra dura (stone inlay technique).

Structural System: Combination of domes, arches, and minarets using traditional Islamic architecture.

Labor Force: An estimated 20,000 workers, including masons, calligraphers, and stonecutters,
contributed to the project.

Key Architectural Features

Symmetry: The Taj Mahal is perfectly symmetrical along its central axis.

Onion Dome: The massive central dome rises about 73 meters (240 feet), flanked by four smaller
domed kiosks (chhatris).

Minarets: Four slender minarets at the corners, slightly tilted outward to protect the main tomb in
case of collapse.

Iwan Archways: Large pointed arches frame entrances on each side.


Gardens: The Charbagh (four-part garden) represents paradise, divided by water channels symbolizing
the four rivers of Islamic paradise.

Major Structures within the Complex

The Mausoleum: Central white marble tomb of Mumtaz Mahal (and later Shah Jahan).

The Mosque: Built of red sandstone on the west side.

The Guest House: A mirror-image structure to the east, maintaining symmetry.

The Gateway: Grand red sandstone entrance, richly decorated with calligraphy.

The Gardens: Geometrically arranged, reinforcing harmony and serenity.

Decorative Elements

Calligraphy: Quranic verses inscribed in black marble inlay around the entrances.

Pietra Dura Inlay: Floral and geometric designs using colorful semi-precious stones.

Light & Shadow: The marble changes color depending on the time of day—pink at dawn, dazzling
white at midday, and golden under moonlight.

Engineering Achievements

Precision alignment of the complex along the central axis of symmetry.

Innovative foundation system using wells filled with stone and rubble to prevent sinking near the
Yamuna River.

Use of optical illusions: calligraphy is scaled so that it appears uniform from all viewing angles.

Legacy and Influence


The Taj Mahal is widely regarded as the crown jewel of Islamic architecture in India. It influenced later
Mughal structures and inspired architecture worldwide. Today, it is one of the New Seven Wonders of
the World and attracts millions of visitors annually. Its enduring legacy lies not only in its architectural
brilliance but also in its symbolism as a monument of love and devotion.

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