Taj Mahal, Finest Mughal Architecture, India

December 13

The Taj Mahal is by far the finest example of Mughal Architecture. The Taj Mahal is covered in fine white marble, and is a mausoleum. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is recognized around the world as a key to Muslim art within India. Mughal architecture is a unique combination of Indian, Persian, Ottoman Turkish and Islamic architectural styles. The construction of the massive structures started in 1632 with the employment of thousands of artisans and workers and was completed in 1653.

The actual architect responsible for the design of the Taj Mahal is uncertain, but was most likely a source of a few architects.

The building of the Taj Mahal was inspired from the current Shah at the time when his wife died while giving birth to her 14th child. His words on inspiration were:

Should guilty seek asylum here,
Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.
Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,
All his past sins are to be washed away.
The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;
And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.
In this world this edifice has been made;
To display thereby the creator’s glory.