The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the Taj Mahal in India as a World Heritage Site in 1983.
The Taj Mahal – A World Heritage Site in India
The Taj Mahal, the iconic temple in India, is regarded as a symbol of eternal love between Emperor Shah Jahan and Empress Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, northern India. The temple is constructed from white marble on an expansive site, harmoniously accentuating its exquisite and pure beauty. With its distinctive Indo-Islamic architecture, the Taj Mahal sparkles against the blue sky like a precious gem, mesmerizing anyone fortunate enough to behold it.
The history of the Taj Mahal’s construction is intertwined with the tale of the Emperor’s undying love for his beloved wife, Empress Mumtaz Mahal. Tragically, she passed away at the age of 39 after giving birth to their 14th child in 1631.
Numerous stories about the Empress’s death have been passed down through the centuries, with the most frequently told being that her passing caused the Emperor immense sorrow, turning his hair white overnight. Before her death, Empress Mumtaz requested the Emperor to build a mausoleum in honor of their love. Following her wishes, Emperor Shah Jahan personally oversaw the construction of the Taj Mahal for 16 years (1632 – 1648) as a final gift for his late wife.
The Taj Mahal is built of white marble and various precious stones sourced from all over the world. As a result, the temple’s colors change spectacularly throughout the day, depending on the sunlight’s intensity and angle.
The architectural complex of the Taj Mahal consists of five main components: the main gate, gardens, a mosque, a guesthouse, and the main mausoleum. The Taj Mahal is situated on a site that measures 304 meters wide and 580 meters long, with a central structure (the mausoleum of Emperor Shah Jahan and Empress Mumtaz Mahal) that is octagonal in shape, reaching a height of 75 meters, crowned with a dome made entirely of white marble and sandstone. Surrounding it are four smaller domes. At each corner of the complex stand four towers, each 40 meters tall. In Islamic belief, the number four symbolizes divinity and eternity. The total height of the temple is approximately 80 meters. Encircling the mausoleum are intricately carved walls adorned with numerous arched windows and doors, crafted with exquisite detail from various precious stones. In the grand chamber on the second floor lie the tombs of Emperor Shah Jahan and Empress Mumtaz Mahal, inlaid with 12 types of colorful gemstones against a backdrop of elegantly patterned white marble.
The auxiliary structures surrounding the Taj Mahal, along with the gardens, were completed about five years later, creating a harmonious architectural ensemble that enhances the grandeur of the main structure.
The design of the Taj Mahal was conceived by the Iranian architect Ustad Isa. According to legend, he was considered the best architect of the time, and Emperor Shah Jahan made significant efforts to invite him to design and oversee the construction of this wonder.
Completing the Taj Mahal required an estimated 20,000 workers and craftsmen from India. To transport the primary building material, stone, the king purchased over 1,000 elephants to carry the materials to the site. Many precious materials were sourced and brought from far-off lands, which contributed to the uniqueness of the monument.
If Agra is a beautiful garden of Mughal architectural art, then the Taj Mahal is the pride of the nation. Truly, the Taj Mahal has been created through the flesh and blood and intellect of the Indian people, becoming one of the masterpieces of human architectural art.
Due to its magnificent beauty and the story of eternal love, the Taj Mahal is widely recognized around the world. This temple truly deserves the title of the Jewel of Indian monuments or the Dream of a Fairy carved in white stone, and it stands as one of India’s most famous cultural heritages.
