TAJ MAHAL

The structure of Taj mahal adheres to the Islamic style (Mughal Style) of architecture, which flourished in India
during the medieval period, The Islamic style of architecture is also referred to as the Indo Islamic style of
architecture.
Overlooking the river Yamuna, and visible from the fort in the west, the Taj Mahal stands at the northern end of vast
gardens enclosed by walls, Though its layout follows a distinctly Islamic theme, representing Paradise.
The Taj Mahal is set on a raised platform that is 6.6 m. (20ft.) high and covers an area of 93.9 sq. (313 sq ft.). The
corner minarets are 41.1 m.(137 ft.) high. The main structure is 62 m on each side. In contast to the gleaming white
of the marbel of the mausoleum, there is a pair of red sandstone building flanking the tomb to the west and to the
east; the western building is a mosque, while the other, sometimes called the guest house or museum, was built to
complete the symmetry of the scene. The water causeway and fountain beautifully join the gateway and the tomb in
perfect symmetry.
Broadly, the Taj complex can be divined in six distinct parts to understand its design and architecture
GATEWAY Befitting the most beautiful symbol of love, the Taj is the gateway to this great monument. Taj mahal
looks like a miniature on the landscape from a distance, but appears to grow as you start to appears to grow as you
start to approach it. The massive Taj gateway was completed in the year 1648 and stands 30 m high. The gateway is
topped by small cupolas or chhatris From a distance the Taj mahal looks like a miniature on the landscape, which
appears to grow as you approach it.
MOSQUE On either side of the Taj mahal are buildings of red sandstone. The one to the west is a Mosque. It faces
towards Mecca and is used for prayer. This greenery shaded structure, measuring 19ft by 6.5 ft. marks the site
where the remains of Mumtaz mahal were deposited when 1st brought to Agra. On the outside the Mosque has
pietra dura work twining across its spandrels. The platform in front of the Mosque is od red standstone. A highly
polished small marble piece is so fitted that it serves as a mirror and one can see the mausoleum reflected in it. The
floor is of a material which is exceedingly fine and sparkling and appears velvet red in shade. The roof supports 4
octagonal towers and three elegant domes.
GARDEN The garden in Islamic style of architecture is not just another feature it has a well defined meaning and it
symbolizes the spirituality. According to the holy Koran, a garden is symbolic od paradise. In Islam it is believed that
there are 4 rivers in paradise, one of water, other of milk, the 3rd of wine, and the 4th of honey. From this concept the
char bagh style of garden planning took root.
The Taj garden covers most part of the Taj complex. Out of a total area of 580 m by 300 m. the Taj garden alone
covers 300 m by 300 m. The guiding principle in creating this garden is one of the symmetry and it can be
experienced everywhere. Though the garden is now maintained regularly, it is still a patch on the original royal
garden. The charbagh , separated by the watercourses originating from the central. Raised pool. Were divided into
16 flowerbeds making a total of 64.
MOUSOLEUM The tomb which is placed on a high plinth( platform). The plinth is 6.7m. high and covers an area of
95 sq m. A double staircase facing the entrance to the tomb is the only way, which takes you on the top of it.
There are four elegant tapering minarates, one on each corner of the plinth. Each of the minarets is 41.6m high and
is capped by a small cupola. The minarets, not only balance the main structure of the mausoleum, but are also
placed in such a way that in case of the mishap, they do not fall over the main edifice.
From inside the mausoleum consist of a lofty central chamber, below this there are 4 octagonal corner rooms which
were supposed to house the Graves of other family members, But Auragazeb, son of Shah jahan failed to honor this
wish.

TOMB The above the main grave of Taj mahal is part of the architectural beauty of this great building. The dome is
crucial to Islamic architecture, cosmologically uniting heaven and earth. The square of the edifice represents the
material universe, the dome symbolizes the vault of heaven. The octagon stands for the transitional phase. The Taj
architects have prominently used the keel arch set within a rectangle, repeating the shape everywhere the
gateway, niches, windows, trellised doors, plinth, dome ornamentation and cusped arches of the cupolas. To
complete the image od paradise the tomb has been most lavishly ornamented with splendidly calligraphed verses
from the Quran.
PIETRA DURA The Pietra Dura of Taj mahal explores the magnificence of the mughal art. Pietra Dura is a kind of
carving into te stone. It is a skilful art that requires the hard labor.
The tombs are decorated with exquisite pietra dura work. Apart from unexcelled inlay work the tomb of mumtaz
mahal is inscribes by 99 different names of Allah.