English-Speaking Countries, The Taj Mahal – Jewel of India
Table of Contents
Introduction: A Symbol of Eternal Love
The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks — a stunning white marble mausoleum located in Agra, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Commissioned in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it stands as a symbol of love, loss, and architectural brilliance.
Recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India,” the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year from around the globe.
Quick Facts About the Taj Mahal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Built | 1632–1653 |
| Architectural Style | Mughal architecture |
| Height | 73 meters (240 feet) |
| Materials Used | White marble, precious stones |
| Purpose | Mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal |
| Architects | Ustad Ahmad Lahouri, Ustad Isa |
| UNESCO Status | Designated in 1983 |
| Visitors | Over 3 million annually (as of 2003) |
Architectural Brilliance
The Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, combining elements of Persian, Islamic, Turkish, and Indian styles. It includes:
- A large dome and four slender minarets.
- Beautiful inlay work with semi-precious stones.
- Symmetrical gardens known as Charbagh.
- A reflecting pool that mirrors the entire structure.
Inside the mausoleum, the cenotaphs (false tombs) of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are exquisitely carved and decorated.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Taj Mahal is more than a tourist site — it is a testament to enduring love, imperial power, and artistic excellence.
It has become a symbol of India itself, featured in films, photographs, literature, and educational curricula around the world.
FAQs: People Also Ask
What is the significance of the Taj Mahal?
It was built as a mausoleum by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, symbolizing eternal love and loss.
Is the Taj Mahal one of the Seven Wonders of the World?
Yes, the Taj Mahal is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, recognized for its beauty and historical importance.
What is the best time to visit the place?
The best time is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and visibility is clear for photos.
Why is it made of white marble?
White marble was used for its aesthetic appeal and spiritual symbolism, representing purity and elegance.
Can you go inside the Taj Mahal?
Yes, visitors can explore both the gardens and the interior of the mausoleum, although the actual graves are below the cenotaphs.
Who is buried in there?
Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, her husband, are buried in an underground chamber beneath the central dome.
10 Key Vocabulary Words
| Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Mausoleum | A building housing a tomb or tombs. | The Taj Mahal is a famous mausoleum. |
| UNESCO | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. | The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| Architectural | Related to the design and construction of buildings. | Its architectural style blends Persian and Indian elements. |
| Dome | A rounded vault forming the roof of a building. | The large white dome is the centerpiece of the Taj Mahal. |
| Minaret | A tall slender tower on a mosque, often used to call to prayer. | Four minarets stand at each corner of the Taj Mahal. |
| Inlay | A decorative technique of setting materials into a surface. | The marble is inlaid with semi-precious stones. |
| Symmetrical | Made up of exactly similar parts facing each other. | The building’s layout is perfectly symmetrical. |
| Cenotaph | An empty tomb or monument to honor a person buried elsewhere. | The Taj Mahal’s cenotaphs are elaborately decorated. |
| Legacy | Something handed down from the past. | The Taj Mahal is a legacy of the Mughal Empire. |
| Emperor | A sovereign ruler of great power and rank. | Shah Jahan was the emperor who commissioned the Taj Mahal. |
Quiz: How Much Do You Know About the Taj Mahal?
Choose the correct answer:
- Who commissioned the Taj Mahal?
- a) Akbar the Great
- b) Shah Jahan
- c) Aurangzeb
- d) Mahatma Gandhi
- In which Indian city is the Taj Mahal located?
- a) Delhi
- b) Jaipur
- c) Agra
- d) Mumbai
- What material is the Taj Mahal primarily made of?
- a) Granite
- b) Sandstone
- c) White marble
- d) Limestone
- The Taj Mahal was built in memory of:
- a) Shah Jahan’s daughter
- b) His first wife
- c) Mumtaz Mahal
- d) Queen Victoria
- How many minarets does the Taj Mahal have?
- a) 2
- b) 3
- c) 4
- d) 6
- When was the Taj Mahal designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
- a) 1972
- b) 1983
- c) 1995
- d) 2000
- What architectural style does the Taj Mahal belong to?
- a) Romanesque
- b) Gothic
- c) Mughal
- d) Baroque
2 → c
3 → c
4 → c
5 → c
6 → b
7 → c
More about this topic on Wikipedia.
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