India

Taj Mahal

Iranian architecture Islamic architecture Mausoleum Monument of National Importance Mughal architecture Tomb Tourist attraction UNESCO World Heritage Site

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Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is an exceptional example of Mughal architecture, an ivory white marble mausoleum located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra. Commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1631 to house his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal's tomb, the Taj Mahal has become known around the world as one of the most acclaimed masterpieces in history. The complex covers an area of 17 ha, consisting of a mosque and a guesthouse, surrounded by formal gardens and crenellated walls.

Construction of the mausoleum and its associated structures took 22 years and was estimated to cost 32 million in 1653. Thousands of artisans, under the guidance of the court architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, worked on this remarkable project to achieve its present aesthetic. The use of intricate symbols throughout the complex is indicative of Muslim art and its natural beauty.

The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being a symbol of India's rich history. It continues to draw over 6 million visitors every year and was awarded one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007.

The placeWikimedia Commons CC BY-SA

EntranceWikimedia Commons CC BY-SA

At nightWikimedia Commons CC BY-SA

InteriorWikimedia Commons CC BY-SA

About

Taj Mahal, marble mausoleum in Agra, India

Location: Agra

Inception: 1631

Founder: Shah Jahan

Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahori

Height: 73 m

Area: 17 ha

Material: marble

Website: tajmahal.gov.in

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