The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum made by white Marble.It is located in Agra, western uttar pradesh, India. It is situated on the bank of Yamuna river. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built this in memory of his beautiful wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal means crown of palaces in English. Taj Mahal is known as the jewel of Muslim art in India. It is also a masterpiece of world's heritage. It is described as the finest example of Mughal architecture. Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles are seen in the style of Taj Mahal. The construction of Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. Thousand of craftmen and artisans work hard to build Taj Mahal. Under imperial supervision the construction of Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects. Some of the famous architects are Abd ul-Karim Mamur Khan, Makramat Khan andUstad Ahmed Lahauri. Among them Lahauri was the principal designer.
In 1631 Mumtaj Mahal died during the birth of her 14th child.The construction of Taj Mahal also began in 1631,during greatest prosperity of Mughal emperor.The tomb is the main beautiful focus of the Taj Mahal.The basic element of this tomb are Persian in origin as like as the most Mughal tombs are built.Around Taj Mahal there is a 300-meter (900ft) square charbagh or Mughal garden.There are some well planned road inside the garden.At the center of the garden there is s raised marble water tank.It is situated between the tomb and gateway of the complex.This is actually a reflecting pool which reflects the image of the masoleum.The name of the water tank is Hawd al-kawthar.Elsewhere the garden is decorated with avenues of trees and fountains.The design of charbagh garden is inspired by Persian garden was introduced in India by first Mughal emperor,Babur.
The construction material of Taj Mahal was broad from all over India and Asia.For the borrowing of these material more than 1,000 elephants were engaged.From Makrana,Rajasthan,the translucant white marble was brought.Jasper was brought from Punjab.Jade and Crystal was brought from china.From Tibet turquoise was brought.From Afghanistan Lapis lazuil was brought.From Sri Lanka sapphire was brought and the carnelian from Arabia.Into the white marble,in all,twenty eight types of precious and semi precious stones were inlaid.
Soon after the completion of Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan was deposed by his son Aurangzeb.Aurangzeb put him under house arrest at nearby Agra Fort.After his death Aurangzeb buried him in the mausoleum next to his wife.
