About Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal lit 'crown of the Palace' is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the Southern bank of the river Jumuna in the Indian city of Agra. It was comissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife. Mumtaj Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. The tomb is the center piece of a 17 hector complex, which includes a mosque and guest hopuse, and set in format gardens bounded on three sides by a crenelated wall.
contractions of the mausoleum was essentially completed in 1643, but work continued on other phases of the project for another 10 years. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 at a cost estimated at the time to be around 32 million rupees, which in 2020 would be approximately 70 billions rupees. The contractions project employed some 20000 artisans under the guidance of a board of architects led by the court architect to the emperor, Ustad Ahmed Lahauri.
The Taj Mahal was designed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." It is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and a symbol of India's rich history. The Taj Mahal attracts 7-8 millions visitors a year and in 2007, it was declared a winner of the New 7 Wonders of the world (2000-2007) initiative.
Inspiration:
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in the memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal, who died on 17 June that year, while giving birth to their 14th child, Gauhara Begum. Contractions started in 1632 and the mausoleum was completed in 1648, while the surrounding buildings and garden were finished five years later. The imperial court documenting Shah Jahan's grief after the death of Mumtaj Mahal illustrates the love story held as the inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
Architecture and Design:
The Taj Mahal incorporates and expands on design traditions of Persian and earlier Mughal architecture. Specific inspiration came from successful Timurid and Mughal buildings including the Gur-e-Amir,Humayun's Tomb which inspired the Charbagh gardens and hasht-behesht plan of the site, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb and Shah Jahan's own Jama Masjid in Dilhi. While earlier Mughal buildings were primarily constructed of red sandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. Buildings under his patronage reached new levels of refinement.
Tomb:
The tomb is the central focus of the entire complex of the Taj Mahal. It is a large, white marble structure standing on a square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan topped by a large dome and finial. Like most Mughal tombs, the basic elements are Persian in origin.
The base structure is a large multi-chambered cube with chambered corners forming an unequal eight-sided structure that is approximately 55 metres on each of the four long side. Each side of the iwan is framed with a huge pishtaq or valued archway with two similarly shaped arched balconies stacked on either side. This motif of stacked pishtaqs is replicated on the chambered corner areas, making the design completely symmetrical on all sides of the building. Four minarets frame the tomb, one at each corner of the plinth facing the chambered corners. The main chamber houses the false sarcophagi of Mumtaj Mahal and Shah Jahan; the actual graves are at a lower level.
The most spectacular feature is the marble dome that surmounts the tomb. The dome is nearly 35 metres high which is close in measurement to the length of the base, and accentuated by the cylindrical "drum" it sits on, which is approximately 7 metres high. Because of its shape, the dome is often called an onion dome or amrud. The top is decorated with a lotus design which also serves to accentuate its height. The shape of the dome is emphasized by four smaller domed chattris placed at its corners, which replicate the onion shape of the main dome. The dome is slightly asymmetrical. Their columned bases open through the roof of the tomb and provide light to the interior. Tall decorative spires extend from edges of base walls, and provide visual emphasis to the height to the dome. The lotus motif is repeated on both the chattris and guldastas. The dome and chattris are topped by a gilded finial which mixes traditional Persian and Hindustani decorative elements.
The main finial was original made of gold but was replaced by a copy made of gilded bronze in the early century. This feature provides a clear example of integration of traditional Person and Hindu decorative elements. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward.
The minarets, Which are each more than 40 metres tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry. They were designed as working minarets--a traditional element of mosques, used by the muezzin to call the Islamic faithful to prayer. Each minaret is effectively divided into three equal parts by two working balconies that ring the tower. At the top of the tower is a final balcony surmounted by a chattri that mirrors the design of those on the tomb. The chattris all share the same decorative elements of a lotus design topped by a gilded finial. The minarets were contracted slightly outside of the plinth so that in the event of collapse, a typical occurrence with many tall constructions of the period, the material from the tower would tend to fall away from the tomb.
Exterior Decorations:
The exterior decoration of the Taj Mahal are among the finest in Mughal architecture. As the surface area changes, the decorations are refined proportionally. The decorative elements were created by applying paint, stucco, stone inlays or carvings. In line with the Islamic prohibition against the use of anthropomorphic forms, the decorative elements can be grouped into either calligraphy, abstract forms or vegetative motifs. Throughout the complex are passages from the Quran thet comprise some of the decorative elements. Recent scholarship suggest that Amanat Khan chose the passages. The calligraphy on the great Gates reads " O Soul, Thou art at rest, Return to the Lord at peach with Him and He at peach with you. The calligraphy was created in 1609 by a calligraphy name Abdul Haq. Shah Jahan comferred the title of "Amnat Khan" upon him as a reward for his "dazzling virtuosity"
On the lower walls of the tomb are white marble dados sculpted with realisted bas releifdepictions of flowers and vines. The marble has been polished to emphasise the exquisite detailing of the carvings. The dado frames and archway spandrels have been decorated with pietra dura inlays of highly stylised, almost geometric vines, flowers and fruits. The inlay stones are of yellow marble, jasper and jade, polished and levelled to the surface of the walls.
Interior Decoration:
The interior chamber of the Taj Mahal reaches far beyond traditional decorative elements. The inlay work isn't pietra dura, but a lapidary of precious and semiprecious gemstones.The inner chamber is an octagon with the planning allowing entry from each face, although only the door facing the garden to the south is employed . the inside walls are about 25 meters (82 ft) high and are topped by a "false" interior dome decorated with a sun motif. Eight pishtaq arches define the space at ground level and, like the outside , each lower pishtaq is crowned by a second pishtaq about midway up the wall. The four central upper arches form balconies or viewing areas, and every balcony's exterior window has an intricate screen or jali cut from marble. additionally to the sunshine from the balcony screens, light enters through roof openings covered by chattris at the corners. The octagonal marble screen or jali bordering the cenotaphs is formed from eight marble panels carved through with intricate pierce work. The remaining surfaces are inlaid in delicate detail with semi-precious stones forming twining vines, fruits and flowers. Each chamber wall is very decorated with dado bas-relief, intricate lapidary inlay and refined calligraphy panels which reflect, in little detail, the planning elements seen throughout the outside of the complex.
Garden:
Walkways beside reflecting pool:The complex is about around an outsized 300-meter (980 ft) square charbagh or Mughal garden. The garden uses raised pathways that divide each of the four-quarters of the garden into 16 sunken parterres or flowerbeds. Halfway between the tomb and gateway within the center of the garden may be a raised marble cistern with a reflecting pool positioned on a north-south axis to reflect the image of the mausoleum. The elevated marble cistern is named al Hawd al-Kawthar in regard to the "Tank of Abundance" promised to Muhammad.
Elsewhere, the garden is laid out with avenues of trees labeled consistent with common and scientific names and fountains. The charbagh garden, a design inspired by Persian gardens, was introduced to India by Babur, the primary Mughal emperor. It symbolizes the four flowing rivers of Jannah (Paradise) and reflects the Paradise garden derived from the Persian paridaeza, meaning 'walled garden.' In mystic Islamic texts of the Mughal period, Paradise is described as a perfect garden of abundance with four rivers flowing from a central spring or mountain, separating the garden into north, west, south and east.
Most Mughal charbaghs are rectangular with a tomb or pavilion within the center. The Taj Mahal garden is unusual therein the most element, the tomb, is found at the top of the garden. With the invention of Mahtab Bagh or "Moonlight Garden" on the opposite side of the Jamuna, the interpretation of the Archaeological Survey of India is that the Jamuna river itself was incorporated into the garden's design and was meant to be seen together of the rivers of Paradise. Similarities in layout and architectural features with the Shalimar Gardens suggests both gardens may are designed by an equivalent architect, Ali Mardan. Early accounts of the garden describe its profusion of vegetation, including abundant roses, daffodils, and fruit trees. because the Mughal Empire declined, the Taj Mahal and its gardens also declined. By the top of the 19th century, British Empire controlled quite three-fifths of India, and assumed management of the Taj Mahal . They changed the landscaping to their liking which more closely resembled the formal lawns of London.
Outlying Buildings:
The Taj Mahal complex is bordered on three sides by crenelated red sandstone walls; the side facing the river is open. Outside the walls are several additional mausoleums, including those of Shah Jahan's other wives, and a bigger tomb for Mumtaz's favorite servant.
The main gateway (darwaza) may be a monumental structure built primarily of marble, and like the Mughal architecture of earlier emperors. Its archways mirror the form of the tomb's archways, and its pishtaq arches incorporate the calligraphy that decorates the tomb. The vaulted ceilings and walls have elaborate geometric designs like those found within the other sandstone buildings within the complex.
Best Tips visiting for The Taj Mahal:
Visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra is probably going on your itinerary if you're traveling to India for the primary time. And it should be! Situated on the Jamuna River, this incredible architectural feat is one among the Seven New Wonders of the planet for a reason.
Often times, we're not super hooked in to big tourist attractions. We thought we'd be disappointed by visiting the Taj Mahal , but we were actually quite impressed.
Many people claim the building itself is smaller than they expected. And while which will be true, to us the grandeur wasn't within the size, but within the Taj Mahal's exquisite marble detail.
Welcome to my site:
While the Taj Mahal may be a crowded attraction, many of the visitors are Indians traveling within their own country. you will have the chance to urge to mingle with friendly Indian families, which can just be a highlight of your visit.
1. Arrive Early to the Ticket Booth:
Our advice is to go to the Taj Mahal very first thing within the morning. there'll be fewer crowds, nice lighting and you will avoid the midday heat (that actually starts around 9 a.m.).
Arrive to the box office as early as possible. We received 5:45 a.m. (15 minutes before the box office opened_, and there was already a decently long queue. If we were to try to to it again, we might attempt to reach 5:15 a.m. The building is named Shilp Gram U.P. Tourism). once we exited just after 6:15 a.m. the road was wrapping outside the door.
Even though the box office is 1 km from entrance of the Taj, it isn't a nasty walk. But there are many rickshaw drivers you'll hire if you do not want to form it on foot.
Keep in mind: Don't expect a colorful sunrise in solitude. The sunrise isn't actually behind the Taj Mahal; plus, the gates don't open until the sun has actually risen. That said, the morning lighting is beautiful . And albeit you're awakening early and beating the bulk of crowds, you certainly won't end up alone – there are crowds all throughout the day, even right when the gates open. As long as your expectations are realistic, you will not regret awakening earl
2. Choose your gate wisely:
There are 3 entrance gates to the Taj Mahal . make certain you read abreast of each so you recognize which is that the smartest option for you.
The East Gate was closest to our hostel, and while it had been crowded, we didn't find ourselves waiting too long before we were ready to enter. This was most convenient for us.
The West Gate is beyond most of the hotels, and this is often the foremost crowded gate during the day. However, we've read that it's a touch less crowded at sunrise than the East Gate. So counting on where you're staying, this could be an honest option.
Avoid the South Gate if possible (unless solely to people watch). It's located near a dodgy market and therefore the touts selling souvenirs are pushy. Plus, this gate doesn't open until 8 a.m., so if you would like to form it for sunrise, you'll cross this gate off your list.
3. Buy your ticket with exact change:
Even though we arrived first thing in the morning, the men at the ticket counter were giving people a hassle for not having exact change. Price of Taj Mahal entrance : 1000 rupees per person ( recently increasing from 750 rupees). A foreigner ticket should come with a bottle of water, shoe covers and tourist map of Agra.
4. Wear Bug Spray:
Mosquitoes are still out at down and we were swarmed while waiting in line to enter the Taj Mahal.
5. Be prepared to separate from your travel partner:
At the east gate entrance, there's a line for men and ladies . because it usually is with bathroom lines, the women's queue takes longer. If you're traveling with the other sex, make certain you're prepared to separate and find a gathering place on the opposite side of the checkpoint because it get crowded fast.
If you're visiting the Taj Mahal with kids, this entrance gets really crowded, so confirm to stay you little ones close in order that they aren't getting lost within the chaos.
6. Dress appropriately:
The code isn't enforced at the Taj Mahal . We saw some women wearing strappy dresses and tank tops.
Even though there is no code enforced, we might recommend dressing modestly. the overall rule of thumb in India for girls is to hide your shoulders and everything below your knees. Wear light and loose clothing, because it can get incredibly hot, especially when shade is scarce and therefore the sun is reflecting on the marble and concrete structures around you.
7. Know what you can't bring inside:
Bags must be scanned, so after being frisked you want to get in yet one more queue if you've got a backpack or purse.
There is an extended list of things you can't bring inside the Taj Mahal , including food, headphones and tripods. Read abreast of banned items on the official website. We had a deck of cards, a headlamp and therefore the tripod section of our Go pro extendable arm taken. and that we saw a girl's pack of gum get confiscated. Be very selective when packing your bag!
We had to travel back out of the gate, directed to a touch nearby shop which had "lockers". This shop will hold your belongings, but will pressure you to shop for something once you come to select it up.
The things in these shops are overpriced knockoffs, so we didn't want any. move the chase, tell them you are not interested, and provides them 100 rupees for holding your stuff.
8. Don't get a guide:
Typically we would encourage hiring a guide, as creates a job for a local. However, the Taj Mahal is not notorious for people posing as guides. We've read there are only 50-60 official guides at the Taj Mahal, yet more than 3000 touts offer their services to tourists, posing as guides and photographers.
9. Make friends:
One of the highlights of our time visiting the Taj Mahal was meeting very friendly Indian families. If you appear as if a foreigner, you'll likely be asked to be in many family pictures. Sometimes it can get a touch overwhelming once you try to require photos or get out before it becomes too crowded. However, if you've got an honest attitude and a smile, you'll have a way better experience.
10. Be flexible if you're visiting the Taj Mahal with kids:
Travelling with children can be an incredibly special experience for everyone in your family. But it might mean you will need to travel a little differently and make a few adjustments. This article describes what you need to know if you are visiting the Taj Mahal with kids.
11. After the Taj, stop here:
If you need a pick-me-up after your visit to the Taj Mahal, you won't have to go far. Right outside the east gate is Cafe Coffee Day which is air-conditioned, has a clean-ish bathroom, and serves good coffee. It's a good place to escape the heat and regain your energy.
12. Be prepared:
Have the right equipment packed* and have a couple of angles in mind from which you want to require photographs. Once you're inside the premises of the Taj Mahal , you'll be overwhelmed by the crowds, so you will be far more comfortable if you've got an idea .
*Remember, tripods are banned within the premises of the Taj Mahal , so you cannot bring them inside.
13. Wear bright colour:
This tip is simply for fun, but if you would like to require a cool picture of yourself ahead of the Taj Mahal , bright colors look especially pretty against the white marble. you will see Indian women and foreigners wearing brightly colored saris. While I didn't go that far, i used to be happy I bought a reasonably scarf because it made my photos "pop"!
14. Get creative:
If you want to get some awe-inspiring photographs of the Taj Mahal, you're going to have to get creative.
15. Get out of the crowds ASAP:
Immediately when you enter the Taj Mahal, everyone seems to stop and take pictures. We fell into this trap and all ours shots of other people in them.If you want to get a photo near the entrance, do it as you're leaving because this area is always crowded.
16. Get up close:
Don't just a photos from the pools..The detail shot are where are where it's at!
The thing that makes the Taj Mahal so beautiful is the details of marble carving. Don't forget to take some photographs up close.
17. East side (right side) has nice lighting in the morning:
On the side of the structure, there's almost a glow within the early morning hours.
If you think that about it, the sun rises within the east therefore the light within the morning are going to be coming from that way. confirm you are taking that under consideration once you try to work out shadows and lens flares.
18. Weast side (left side) can create interesting framing:
On the side of the Taj there's a mosque (to be more specific a mihrab which faces east toward Mecca) with prayer mats tiled within the ground. From within you'll get some interesting pictures of the Taj as long as you're patient enough for people to maneuver .
19. View the Taj Mahal from across the river at Moonlight Garden:
If you've got time, take a tuk tuk across the river to the Mehtab Bagh (which translated is "The Moonlight Garden"). Entrance is 200 rupees and will be worthwhile if you would like an attempt of the Taj Mahal with none one in it.
20. Be Patient:
Everyone wants the same shots, so take a deep breath and wait for the right moment. Patience will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and is the key to taking great pictures in crowed places.
21. Get a nice photo of yourself:
It's easy to take all sorts of pictures and forget to get one of yourself. If you are traveling with a companion, It's easy to exchange photos of each other.
22. Consider a full Moon tour at the Taj Mahal:
Since the Taj was constructed with such pristine translucent marble, once you are inside you'll actually see the moonlight glow through the marble. it's said to be spectacular. For a couple of days before and after each full-of-the-moon , the Taj Mahal is open for night tours but make certain to book ahead because they only let during a specific amount of individuals each night. It typically cost 750 rupees for the moonlight tour.
What is the simplest time of year to go to the Taj Mahal?
The best time to go to the state of Uttar Pradesh , during which the Taj Mahal is found , is usually said to be October to March. This season has the foremost comfortable temperatures, starting from 10° - 30°C (50° - 86°F).
October - March: the foremost comfortable temperature, but also the foremost crowds.
April - June: Can get incredibly hot, with temperatures peaking at 45°C (113°F).
July - September: Monsoon season, so try your best to avoid visit. If you do, bring an umbrella.
When does the Taj Mahal open and close?
The Taj Mahal is open a day except Fridays, when it's closed for prayer.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Special Moonlight Viewings: 2 days before and after each full-of-the-moon . you want to buy tickets for the moonlight viewing beforehand , and that they do sell out during peak tourist season. This website has more information on Moonlight Viewings.
Night time tickets cost 750 rupees for foreigners and 510 rupees for Indian nationals, for half an hour’s admittance. These tickets must be purchased between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., at some point beforehand from the Archaeological Survey of India office on Mall Road.
How much time do i want at the Taj Mahal?
If you're into photography or want to relax a touch and other people watch, allow about 3 hours to go to the Taj Mahal . Otherwise, you'll probably snap a couple of shots, walk round the building and inside and desire you've seen everything in 1.5 hours.
How long did we spend at the Taj Mahal?
We walked through the doorway around 6:40 a.m. and left at 9:30 a.m. By this point , the crowds were thick and that we were happy to be leaving.
How much does entry to the Taj Mahal cost?
Foreigners: 1,000 rupees (recently increased from 750 rupees)*
India nationals: 40 rupees
Children 14 and under: Free!
*Included within the price of a foreigner ticket may be a bottle of water, shoe covers and a tourist map of Agra. Plus, there are shuttles you'll take from the box office to the doorway if you want (we skipped this, as expecting a ride would have taken us longer than walking the 1 km)
What to wear the Taj Mahal?
There are no dress code enforced at the Taj Mahal, but while travelling in India, We would always recommend dressing modestly. Ladies, it's usually a good idea to wear some thing that covers your shoulders and knees.
What's the best way to get to agra and the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is found within the city of Agra, which is definitely accessible during a excursion from Delhi. The train system from Delhi to Agra is sweet and there are about 117 trains weekly. The journey from New Delhi Station (NDLS) to Agra Cantt (AGC) is about 3 to 4 hours counting on the train you're taking .
From the railway station you'll take a tuk tuk to the Taj Mahal for about 150 rupees.
If you would like to drive from Delhi to Agra, the Jamuna Expressway linking links the 2 cities and takes about 3 hours to drive. There are tolls on the expressway however. A one-way trip costs 415 rupees and a trip costs 655 rupees.
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