Taj Mahal

Called a monument to love, this beautifully elaborate mausoleum was completed in 1654 in honor of Mumtaz Mahal, the deceased wife of Emperor Shah Jahan (who is also buried there). Surrounding the white marble monument are other structures, including the mausoleums of Jahan's other wives and, perhaps surprisingly, the tomb of the honored wife's favorite servant, which is larger than those of the other wives.

Located in Agra, the predominantly Islamic architecture features a prominent onion-topped dome, flanked by two smaller ones; but also combines elements of Persian, Ottoman, and Indian architecture. The main white marble building is an irregular octagon with tall minarets at the four corners of its supporting slab.

Some 20,000 workers are alleged to have contributed to the construction over twenty three years, with a core creative team of 37 specialists. Legend has it that when he was told the dismantling of the brick scaffold--needed to raise the heavy marble--could take years, Shah Jahan simply said anyone who wanted bricks was welcome to them. The scaffolding is said to have disappeared overnight.

The entire complex is highlighted with calligraphy and artwork, with the white marble being inlaid with black marble or jasper. On the red sandstone structures, white inlays accent the color just as dark ones do on the marble buildings. Geometric and abstract forms complement the calligraphy and vegetation is a major theme to the artwork.

Inside Taj Mahal the detail of the artwork is intensified, with the addition of precious jewels set in the marble, which previously existed on the outside, but were mostly looted by the British in the 1850’s. The interior walls are 82 feet tall, and the centrally located marble cenotaphs are surrounded by a marble screen. Mahal’s actual tomb lies below ground level, and is quite plain, as dictated by Muslim tradition.

Environmental pollution is turning the brilliant white marble yellow and the government has created a 4,000 square mile protected area around the site limiting emissions. Therefore tourists must ride an electric bus into the area.

There is a limit of five items per person carried into Taj Mahal, and they are limited to water bottles, video or still cameras, small purses and mobile phones. The complex is open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays it is open for a prayer period at the mosque from Noon to 2:00 p.m. Night viewing is possible for three nights surrounding the occurrence of the full moon, except when one of them is a Friday, and also except during the month of Ramadan.