Amazing facts about Taj Mahal

• Architectural Marvel: The Taj Mahal is renowned for its exquisite Mughal architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

• Commissioned by Shah Jahan: The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth in 1631.

• Construction Period: Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and took approximately 22 years to complete. It involved the labor of thousands of skilled artisans and laborers.

• White Marble Beauty: The main structure of the Taj Mahal is made of white marble sourced from the Makrana quarries in Rajasthan. The marble is known for its luminescence and was transported to Agra over a distance of more than 200 miles.

• Architectural Symmetry: The Taj Mahal is perfectly symmetrical in its design, with the exception of the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal inside the main chamber.

• Inlaid Precious Stones: The exterior of the Taj Mahal is adorned with intricate inlay work made from precious and semi-precious stones, including lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, and mother-of-pearl.

• Chahar Bagh Garden: The Taj Mahal is set within a large charbagh (four-part garden) divided by watercourses. The garden is symbolic of the four rivers of Paradise mentioned in the Quran.

• Changing Colors: The color of the Taj Mahal appears to change depending on the time of day. It can appear pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, and golden under the moonlight.

• Minarets Leaning Outward: The four minarets surrounding the Taj Mahal are slightly tilted outward. This architectural feature is intentional and designed to protect the main mausoleum in case of an earthquake.

• Calligraphy Decorations: The exterior of the Taj Mahal is adorned with intricate calligraphy from the Quran. The calligraphy was done by Amanat Khan Shirazi, a renowned calligrapher of his time.

• Mumtaz Mahal’s Tomb: The cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal is placed at the exact center of the inner chamber. The actual tomb is in a chamber below and is not open to the public.

• World Heritage Site: In 1983, the Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance.

• Visitor Attraction: The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India.

• Taj Mahal at Sunrise: Many visitors consider sunrise the best time to view the Taj Mahal. The changing colors of the sky create a magical backdrop for this architectural masterpiece.

The Taj Mahal stands as a timeless symbol of love and is a testament to the artistic and engineering skills of the Mughal era. Its stunning beauty continues to captivate people across the globe.