The Taj Mahal is more than just an architectural wonder; it is a monument of love, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The story behind this iconic structure begins in 1607 when a young prince named Khurram, who would later be known as Shah Jahan, first laid eyes on a beautiful girl selling silk and glass beads at Meena Bazaar. This young girl was Arjumand Banu Begum, a Persian princess who was only 15 at the time, while Shah Jahan was 14. Captivated by her beauty, Shah Jahan fell in love at first sight. They married in 1612 with the blessing of his father, Emperor Jahangir.
A Tribute to Love: Building the TAJ MAHAL
The Taj Mahal stands today as a tribute to Shah Jahan’s deep love for Mumtaz Mahal, whom he affectionately named “Jewel of the Palace.” Although Shah Jahan had several wives, Mumtaz Mahal was his favorite, and she was always by his side. Tragically, she died in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child. Overwhelmed by grief, Shah Jahan decided to build the Taj Mahal in her memory.
Here are 17 captivating facts about the Taj Mahal:
The Name Behind the Monument: The Taj Mahal derives its name from Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, whose original name was Arjumand Banu Begum. She became Mumtaz Mahal after marriage, meaning “Jewel of the Palace.”
Construction with the Help of Elephants: The construction of the Taj Mahal required a massive effort, involving over 1,000 elephants to transport building materials like marble and precious stones.
Precious Stones from Across the World: The Taj Mahal is renowned for its exquisite inlay work, featuring around 28 different types of precious and semi-precious stones sourced from places like Sri Lanka, Tibet, China, and various regions in India.
A Changing Spectrum of Colors: The Taj Mahal’s appearance changes throughout the day, reflecting different shades. It appears pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, and a golden hue under moonlight.
Sacred Inscriptions on Mumtaz Mahal’s Tomb: The tomb of Mumtaz Mahal is adorned with 99 names of Allah, inscribed in beautiful calligraphy.
Millions Visit Each Year: The Taj Mahal attracts between 2 to 4 million visitors annually, with approximately 200,000 international tourists, making it one of the most visited monuments in the world.
Hidden Under Bamboo and Cloth During Wars: To protect the Taj Mahal from bombers during the 20th century and the Indo-Pak war of 1971, the monument was camouflaged with bamboo scaffolding and green cloth.
An Amputee Architect Led Its Design: The head architect of the Taj Mahal, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who also laid the foundation for the Red Fort, was an amputee. Despite this, Shah Jahan entrusted him with the task due to his exceptional craftsmanship.
Engineering for Safety: The Taj Mahal’s minarets were deliberately designed to tilt slightly outwards to prevent them from collapsing onto the main tomb in the event of an earthquake.
Surprising Foundation Material: The foundation of the Taj Mahal is made of timber, a material not known for its longevity. However, the moisture from the Yamuna River has kept the wood strong, ensuring the monument’s stability for centuries.
A Modern Price Tag in Billions: The Taj Mahal’s construction, which cost 32 million rupees between 1632 and 1653, would amount to more than 1 billion USD today.
The Almost “Black Taj Mahal”: Shah Jahan had plans to build a “Black Taj Mahal” for himself, directly opposite the white marble structure. However, his plans were halted when his son, Aurangzeb, imprisoned him.
Intricate Calligraphy Adorns the Interior: The walls and interiors of the Taj Mahal are decorated with intricate calligraphy from the Quran, including verses on the tombs of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.
Perfect Symmetry with One Exception: The Taj Mahal is known for its perfect symmetry, except for Shah Jahan’s cenotaph, which was added later and positioned off-center.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1983, the Taj Mahal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its “outstanding universal value.”
A Marvel of Mughal Architecture: The Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, blending Islamic, Persian, and Indian styles.
A Monument to Enduring Love: The Taj Mahal is not just a tourist attraction; it is a symbol of an undying love story that continues to inspire millions of visitors from around the world.
The Taj Mahal remains an enduring symbol of love, loss, and a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Mughal era. It captures the imagination of everyone who visits, standing as a timeless tribute to the power of love.
