20 Interesting Facts About Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a world-famous monument located in Agra, India. It is an iconic symbol of India and is one of the most visited tourist attraction in the world. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and artistry. It is made of white marble, and is decorated with intricate carvings, floral motifs, and calligraphic inscriptions of verses from the Quran. The Taj Mahal has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an iconic symbol of love, as it was built by the Emperor in memory of his beloved wife. It is an amazing sight to behold, and a must-see for anyone visiting India.
1. The Inspiration Behind the TajMahal: Mumtaz Mahal
The TajMahal is an iconic monument located in Agra, India. This majestic structure was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The name “Taj Mahal” is derived from her name, and is an enduring symbol of the emperor’s great love for Mumtaz Mahal. It is a beautiful testament to their love and devotion, and is one of the most visited tourist sites in the world.
2. The Exotic Origins of TajMahal’s Precious Stones
The TajMahal is renowned for its beauty and was constructed with stones from distant locales such as Afghanistan, Tibet, Sri Lanka, and China. These stones included jasper, agate, coral, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and carnelian, which were set in a form of inlay for a unique design. This showcases the tremendous effort that was put into creating the TajMahal and its exotic origins.
3. In Honour of Allah: The Tomb of Mumtaz
The Tomb of Mumtaz Mahal in Agra, India is an iconic example of grand Mughal architecture. It is believed that the name ‘Allah’ is inscribed over 20,000 times in the structure, making it a unique and sacred site. The tomb was built as a testament to the powerful love between Mumtaz and her husband.
4. The TajMahal: Concealed by Bamboo in Times of War
During times of war, the Taj Mahal was often concealed by bamboo and other vegetation as a protective measure, allowing it to remain safe and unscathed during difficult times. As a result, the magnificent structure has stood tall for centuries, serving as a reminder of the timeless love.
5. The Unfulfilled Dream of a BlackMahal
Shah Jahan had planned to build another mausoleum in black marble next to it, but the plan was never carried out due to cost and time constraints. Although it was never built, the idea of the “Black Mahal” serves as a reminder of the grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
6. The Unintended Location of the TajMahal
The Mughal emperor initially planned to build the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, but his advisors suggested another site due to the risk of flooding. Despite the potential danger, the emperor decided to build the Taj Mahal in Agra anyway, and it has since become one of the most iconic monuments in the world and a popular tourist destination.
7. TajMahal Replicas Around the Globe
The TajMahal is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and has been replicated in various countries including the United States, Germany, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and more. These replicas range from exact replicas to buildings inspired by the original, and show the global admiration for the breathtaking building and its history.
8. A Chameleon in Stone: The Changing Colours of the TajMahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic structures in the world, known for its ever-changing colors throughout the day, ranging from pink and yellow in the morning to golden at sunset. No matter the time of day, it is always a spectacular sight, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.
9. Unadorned Tombs: A Look Inside the TajMahal
The tombs in Tajmahal are not decorated due to their significance as a place of reverence and solemnity. In order to allow visitors to reflect and mourn without being distracted by the beauty of the complex, the tombs are kept in their original state. This makes the rooms with the tombs a quiet and respectful place of mourning.
10. Beyond the TajMahal: Uncovering Other Burials
The Taj Mahal is famous for being the mausoleum of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his spouse Mumtaz Mahal, however it also contains the burials of Shah Jahan’s other three wives, his favorite servant, and some of his children. It is believed that the Taj Mahal was originally designed to be a family mausoleum, and this is demonstrated by the other burials in the complex. These burials show Shah Jahan’s deep devotion to his family, making the Taj Mahal even more special.
11. Towering Above: The TajMahal vs. Qutub Minar
The TajMahal is one of the most iconic monuments in India and is widely known for its beauty and grandeur. Located in Agra, TajMahal stands at a height of 73 metres, making it taller than the Qutub Minar in Delhi, which stands at a height of 72.5 metres.
12. An Inspiring Tale: The Amputee Architect of the TajMahal
Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the lead architect of the Taj Mahal, was an amputee believed to have lost his arm in an accident while building the Red Fort. His remarkable achievement of creating one of the world’s most iconic monuments in an era with limited technology is a testament to the power of determination and passion in overcoming any obstacle.
13. The Incredible Construction of the TajMahal: A 20 Year Journey
The TajMahal took an estimated 20 years and 20,000 workers, with the help of thousands of animals, to build it. The finest marble, precious gems, and intricate designs were used in its construction, which was a grand vision of the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan.
14. Reviving the Ancient Beauty: TajMahal’s Mud Facial Treatments
The Taj Mahal is renowned for its iconic white marble facade, which is maintained through traditional Indian beauty practice of mud face packs. These face packs, made of sand and clay, are painted onto the facade to seal and protect it from the sun and pollution, allowing it to retain its beauty for centuries.
15. The Jewellery of the TajMahal: 28 Types of Jewels Used
The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned monument that is decorated with 28 types of jewels, including diamonds, emeralds, rubies, jade, and sapphires, which have been carefully maintained and restored over the years to maintain its stunning beauty.
16. The Taj in Darkness: A Deterrent to Insect Infestation
In order to prevent insect fouling, the TajMahal is not illuminated at night. This measure is taken to ensure that no insects are attracted to the monument, which could end up damaging it through fouling. This is an important precautionary measure in order to preserve the beauty of the TajMahal and ensure that it remains one of the most impressive and iconic monuments in the world.
17. The Optical Illusion of the TajMahal’s Minarets
One of the most fascinating aspects of its design is the use of optical illusions. The minarets, which are four slender towers that surround the Taj Mahal, were built with a slight lean. This was done intentionally to create an optical illusion of the towers being perfectly upright, no matter which angle they were viewed from. This unique feature of the Taj Mahal has made it an even more spectacular sight to behold.
18. Safeguarding TajMahal: The Outward Falling Pillars
The Taj Mahal is a renowned monument and great care was taken to ensure its preservation. Its pillars were designed to fall outwards if a collapse were to occur, in order to protect the tomb from damage. The strength and stability of the pillars was tested and calculated to ensure its longevity.
19. Friday Closure and Afternoon Prayers: Limited to Muslims Only
The Taj Mahal is a popular tourist destination located in India, but is closed to the public every Friday and only Muslims are allowed to enter for afternoon prayers due to its Muslim memorial significance. Visitors should plan their trip accordingly if they wish to explore its beauty.
20.The Billion Dollar TajMahal
The Taj Mahal is an iconic symbol of India, built in the 17th century at a cost of 32 million rupees, equivalent to 1 billion USD today. It is an incredible feat of architecture and engineering, and a popular tourist attraction, captivating millions of visitors over the centuries.
