The temple of Artemis at Ephesus
The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The Porcelain Tower of Nanking
The Taj Mahal, popularly called The Taj, is regarded as one of the most beautiful piece of monuments. It comes as a part of a larger mausoleum complex built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan over the tomb of his wife, Empress Mumtaj Mahal. It is situated on the bank of the river Yamuna at Agra, in the northern part of India. Its construction was started in 1631 and completed in 1653.
It shows a blending of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. The mausoleum proper is of white marble that reflects various hues with the variation of the sunlight or moonlight. The majestic central dome, which reaches a height of 240 feet (73 metres), is surrounded by four lesser domes.
The chief architect was probably Ustad Ahmad Lahawri, an Indian of Persian descent. More than 20,000 workers were employed from India, Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and Europe. And it took about 22 years to for the whole work to be finished.
Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.
Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later.
It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The documents contain names of those employed and the inventory of construction materials and their origin.
The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure.
Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper.
The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. Like the Taj, the garden elements serve like Arabesque, standing on their own and also constituting the whole.
