The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Taj Mahal
A UNESCO World Heritage Monument
History
Construction
The complex was built over a 20-year period utilizing a workforce of roughly 20,000 artisans under the guidance of a board of architects led by Ustad Ahmad Lahori. The primary building material, white marble, was transported from Makrana in Rajasthan using a fleet of over 1,000 elephants.
Architecture
Integrates Islamic, Persian, and Indian styles, centered around a 73-meter main dome. The main structure features a base of 50 meters, supported by four minarets that were deliberately constructed to tilt slightly outward, ensuring they would fall away from the tomb in the event of an earthquake.
Symmetry
Designed with strict bilateral symmetry along a central axis, including long reflecting pools. The entire complex is organized around the Charbagh, a Persian-style garden divided into four main quadrants, representing the Islamic concept of the gardens of Paradise.
Significance
It serves as the definitive structural example of Mughal architecture and is a globally recognized symbol of India. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj Mahal stands as an enduring monument to the vast wealth and sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities of the 17th-century Mughal Empire.
Festivals
Taj Mahotsav
A 10-day cultural festival held in Agra every February. It features extensive artisan exhibitions showcasing traditional crafts, Mughlai local cuisine, and classical music performances that draw tourists directly to the Shilpgram complex near the eastern gate.
Urs of Shah Jahan
An annual three-day period commemorating the emperor's death, where entry to the main tomb is made completely free. During this specific time, the normally restricted subterranean chamber housing the original graves is briefly opened to the public for viewing.
Special Highlight
The pietra dura floral designs inlaid into the white marble consist of precious and semi-precious stones.
Travel Guide to Taj Mahal
How to Reach
By Air: Delhi IGI Airport handles commercial air traffic 220 km away.
By Train: Agra Cantt Railway Station serves as the primary rail hub, 6 km from the gate.
By Road: Directly connected to Delhi via the multi-lane Yamuna Expressway.
Best Time to Visit
October to March prevents the extreme heat typical of North Indian summers.
Local Attractions
Agra Fort: The primary residence of the Mughal dynasty located 2.5 km away.
Fatehpur Sikri: The historic abandoned capital located further west.
Mehtab Bagh: The moonlight garden complex positioned directly across the river.
Travel Tips
The monument is strictly closed to all visitors on Fridays.
Large bags and food items are prohibited beyond the security checkpoints.
Purchase tickets online in advance to bypass long physical queues.
Arrive at sunrise for fewer crowds and optimal photography lighting.
Location Map
Image Gallery
