## History of the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the world's most famous monuments and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Located in Agra, India, on the southern bank of the Yamuna River, it was built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The monument stands as a symbol of love, artistic brilliance, and the cultural richness of the Mughal Empire.The Taj Mahal was commissioned in 1632 by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 while giving birth to her fourteenth child. Shah Jahan was deeply saddened by her death, and historical accounts suggest he was plunged into profound grief. To honor her memory and express his undying love, he decided to build a magnificent mausoleum unlike anything the world had ever seen.Mumtaz Mahal was not only Shah Jahan's wife but also his trusted companion and advisor. Her name means "Chosen One of the Palace," and she held a special place in the emperor's life. The Taj Mahal was conceived as her final resting place and a glimpse of paradise on earth.Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, and the main structure was largely completed by 1648, although additional work on the surrounding buildings and gardens continued until 1653.  It is estimated that over 20,000 artisans, craftsmen, and laborers worked on the project. Skilled craftsmen were brought in from across India, Persia, Central Asia, and the Ottoman Empire, reflecting the international nature of Mughal art and architecture.

The Taj Mahal is primarily constructed of white marble sourced from Makrana in Rajasthan. Precious and semi-precious stones such as jade, jasper, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and sapphire were used for the intricate inlay work, known as *pietra dura*. This monument combines elements of Islamic, Persian, Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. The main structure features a large dome surrounded by four smaller domes. The main dome is approximately 73 meters (240 feet) high and is topped with a finial that is a blend of Islamic and Hindu decorative elements. Four tall minarets stand at the corners of the platform, leaning slightly outwards to protect the main tomb in case of an earthquake. ### Layout and Symbolism.The Taj Mahal complex is built according to the principles of the Persian *charbagh* (four-part garden) design, symbolizing paradise as described in Islamic texts. The garden is divided into four sections by water channels, with pools that reflect the monument, further enhancing its beauty.The tomb contains symbolic cenotaphs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, while their actual graves are in a lower chamber. The interior is decorated with delicate marble lattice work, floral designs, and verses from the Quran. The size of the calligraphy increases as it goes higher, creating the illusion that all the text is the same size when viewed from below.In 1658, Shah Jahan was deposed by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in Agra Fort. He is said to have spent his last years there, gazing at the Taj Mahal from a window and reminiscing about his wife. After his death in 1666, Shah Jahan was buried in the Taj Mahal next to Mumtaz Mahal, slightly disrupting the monument's perfect symmetry.

Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Taj Mahal was neglected. During the British colonial period, parts of the complex were damaged, and some precious stones were reportedly removed. However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the British administration undertook restoration efforts to preserve the monument. In modern times, pollution from nearby industries and vehicles has threatened the pristine white marble, causing it to yellow. To combat this, the Indian government has implemented protective measures, including restricting industrial activity near the site and regularly cleaning the marble.In 1983, the Taj Mahal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding universal value. It is often described as "the jewel of Muslim art in India" and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements in human history. In 2007, it was also named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.Today, the Taj Mahal attracts millions of tourists from around the globe every year. Beyond its architectural beauty, it continues to inspire people as a timeless symbol of love, devotion, and artistic excellence.The Taj Mahal is more than just a monument; it is a testament to love, loss, and human creativity. Built as a symbol of grief and affection, this monument has endured for centuries as an icon of India's rich cultural heritage. Its history reflects the grandeur of the Mughal Empire and the universal desire to create beauty that transcends time.