Why the Taj Mahal is
special
Most travelers call the Taj Mahal in India the world's
most beautiful building - ever. Some say it's worth a trip half way around the
world just to see it About my animated picture of the Taj Mahal The
hue of the marbled Taj Mahal varies from hour to hour, season to season. My
picture on the left illustrates three of its most sublime times: daytime, sunset
and full moon
An architectural masterpiece The white-marbled Taj
Mahal has perfect symmetry and its curvaceous dome lends sensuality. Its walls
are embellished with delicate floral and calligraphic designs made with inlaid
semiprecious stones. The Taj Mahal's massiveness is cleverly lightened by the
widespread use of marble-screen sidings. The tree-lined reflecting pool and
the tall minarets at the four corners of the Taj Mahal's raised terrace help
complete this work of architectural genius.
Why the Taj Mahal was
built The grieving Mughal emperor Shah Jahan erected the Taj Mahal in the
1600s for his beloved wife after she died giving birth to their 14th child. He
wanted the mausoleum to perpetuate her memory. It took 22 years and 22,000
workers to complete the Taj Mahal, the emperor's treasury-draining project of
love. His extravagance cost him dearly - a son ousted and imprisoned him for
life. From his cell, he could poignantly see his love's tomb, the Taj
Mahal. What leading travel books say about the Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal
is a dream in marble. India Insight Guides The greatest love story
ever told in stone is epitomized in the Taj Mahal. India Spectrum
Guides |