Architecture of the Taj Mahal Agra

The Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the wonders of the world. The architecture of the Taj Mahal has been praised by historians, architects, poets and travelers from all over the world. Built of white marble brought from Makrana in Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal appears different at different times of day and during the changing seasons. The color of the sky is reflected by the white marble, and the rays of the sun give it an almost ethereal appearance. The sight of the Taj Mahal on a full moon night is an enchanting experience. When seen from Agra Fort across the Yamuna River on a foggy morning, the Taj Mahal appears like a fairytale castle floating on a soft carpet of air.

The Taj Mahal was built between the years 1631 A.D. and 1648 A.D. A colony of 20,000 workers lived near the site in the area now called Tajgunj, and worked on constructing this Mughal monument in Agra. The workers were lead by the superintendent of masons Muhammed Hanif. The design was by the Persian architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. The dome was constructed by Ismail Khan Afridi of Turkey. The poet Ghiyasuddin composed the verses that appear on the tombstones of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan and the calligraphy was designed by Amanat Khan Shirazi, whose name can be seen on one of the gates of the Taj Mahal Agra India. The architecture of the Taj Mahal owes its perfection to the work of many great craftsmen.

The Taj Mahal is part of a complex of structures. These structures include the Darwaza or main gateway, the Bageecha or garden, the Masjid or mosque, the Naqqar Khaana or guest house and the Rauza or mausoleum. The entrance to the complex is through the grand gateway. The gateway is inscribed with Islamic calligraphy and floral decorations. As you enter the gateway, its high arch frames the vista before you. A path with green lawns on either side leads to the raised platform on which the Taj Mahal is situated. The approach to the Taj Mahal, with intersecting paths and waterways is called the Charbagh.

The Taj Mahal is situated on a raised platform that is over 6 meters high. The actual tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are in the basement below this platform. The main building surmounted by a curving dome is over 60 meters long on each side. The dome rises to a height of over 60 meters at its pinnacle. The platform covers an area of almost 94 sq meters. A tall minaret of over 40 meters reaches up to the sky at each corner of the platform. On either side of the Taj Mahal there is a red sandstone building - a mosque to the west and a guesthouse to the east. The fountains, waterways, formal garden and the river Yamuna flowing in the background add to the overall effect. The overall symmetry of the Taj Mahal complex, makes it an aesthetically perfect sight.

The architecture of the Taj Mahal is enhanced by delicate inlay work. The interiors of the Taj Mahal are decorated with inlay work known as pietra dura. Semi precious stones such as jasper, jade, turquise, lapis lazuli and sapphire, were used in these decorative devices, many of which can still be seen. These decorative elements include inscriptions from the Quran, geometrical designs and graceful depictions of flowers and plants. The inlay work has been carried out with great skill, creating a seamless and smooth surface with no visible joints. The pristine white marble of the Taj Mahal contrasts with the colors of the inlaid stones creating a beautiful and majestic effect.

The beautiful proportions of each element of the complete complex, their exquisitely decorated interirors, the brilliance of the carving in the latticed screens that surround the tomb and the setting of the Taj Mahal add up to the sublime experience that is a glimpse of the Taj Mahal. The architecture of the Taj Mahal Agra, is considered the most spectacular example of Mughal architecture in India.