The Taj Mahal – Symbol of Love

This blog is based on The Taj Mahal – Symbol of Love because it is one of the most famous monuments in the world. The Taj Mahal is often described as a symbol of Shah Jahan’s love for Mumtaz Mahal. It combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. The love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal has inspired countless works of art, literature, and different traditions.

Shah Jahan

• Birth and Background: Shah Jahan, born as Prince Khurram on January 5, 1592, was the third son of Emperor Jahangir and the grandson of Akbar the Great. He became the fifth Mughal emperor of India, ruling from 1628 to 1658.
• Reign: His reign is often considered the golden age of Mughal architecture. Shah Jahan commissioned numerous grand constructions, including the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid in Delhi, and, most famously, the Taj Mahal.
• Downfall: In 1658, Shah Jahan was deposed by his son Aurangzeb and spent the last years of his life under house arrest in the Agra Fort, where he could only gaze at the Taj Mahal from a distance.

Mumtaz Mahal

• Birth and Background: Mumtaz Mahal, originally named Arjumand Banu Begum, was born on April 27, 1593. She was the daughter of Asaf Khan, a noble in the Mughal court, and the niece of Empress Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir.
• Marriage and Life: She married Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) in 1612, and the two shared a deep and loving relationship. Mumtaz Mahal was known for her beauty, intelligence, and compassionate nature.
• Death: Mumtaz Mahal died on June 17, 1631, during the birth of their 14th child, Gauhar Ara Begum, in Burhanpur, India. Her death had a profound impact on Shah Jahan, leading to the construction of the Taj Mahal in her memory.

Taj Mahal Construction

The Taj Mahal was constructed between 1632 and 1653. It employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen and is renowned for its stunning white marble architecture, intricate inlay work, and symmetrical design.

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It attracts millions of visitors each year and remains a testament to the Mughal Empire’s grandeur and artistic achievements.

Architectural Mysteries:

• Perfect Symmetry: The Taj Mahal is renowned for its perfect symmetry, but there is one notable exception. Shah Jahan’s cenotaph is not centered in the main chamber, as it was added later and breaks the otherwise flawless symmetry of the mausoleum .
• Changing Colors: The white marble of the Taj Mahal appears to change color depending on the time of day and the light. This is believed to symbolize the different moods of a woman, in this case, Mumtaz Mahal
• Optical Illusions: The minarets surrounding the Taj Mahal are slightly tilted outward to protect the main tomb in case of an earthquake. This gives an illusion of being perfectly upright when viewed from a distance .
• Advanced Engineering: The Taj Mahal was constructed using advanced engineering techniques for its time, such as a complex system of wells and an elaborate foundation that keeps it stable on the shifting banks of the Yamuna River .

Historical Secrets:

• Black Taj Mahal: There is a legend that Shah Jahan intended to build a black marble replica of the Taj Mahal on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River as his own tomb. However, there is little historical evidence to support this, and it remains one of the many myths surrounding the monument .
• Mysterious Inscriptions: The walls of the Taj Mahal feature intricate calligraphy with verses from the Quran. Some of these inscriptions are designed to appear the same size from top to bottom, achieved through an ingenious use of perspective .

How to Visit

Visiting the Taj Mahal can be a memorable experience, and here’s how you can plan your trip:

Getting to Agra

1. By Air:
   • The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, approximately 220 km from Agra.
   • From Delhi, you can take a domestic flight to Agra Airport (Kheria Airport), which is about 13 km from the Taj Mahal.
2. By Train:
   • Agra is well-connected by train with major cities. Some prominent trains include the Shatabdi Express, Gatimaan Express, and the Taj Express.
   • The main railway stations in Agra are Agra Cantt, Agra Fort, and Agra City.
3. By Road:
   • Agra is accessible via the Yamuna Expressway from Delhi, a journey of about 3-4 hours by car.
   • Regular bus services are available from Delhi, Jaipur, and other nearby cities.

Entry and Tickets

1. Entry Fees:
   • Foreign tourists: ₹1,100
   • Citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries: ₹540
   • Indian citizens: ₹50
   • Additional charges apply for visiting the main mausoleum (₹200 for all categories).
2. Ticket Purchase:
   • Tickets can be bought online through the official website or at the ticket counters located at the entry gates.

Visiting Hours

• The Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset (approximately 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM) every day except Fridays, when it is closed for prayers.
• Night viewing is available on full moon nights and two days before and after (except Fridays and during the month of Ramadan), from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Tickets for night viewing must be purchased 24 hours in advance.

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: The weather is cooler and more comfortable.
• Avoid summers (April to June) due to the extreme heat.
• Monsoon season (July to September) might affect visibility due to heavy rains.

Guided Tours

• Official guides can be hired at the entrance. It’s advisable to use authorized guides to avoid scams.
• Audio guides are also available, providing detailed historical and architectural insights.

Tips for Visitors

1. Security Checks: There are strict security checks at the entrance. Avoid carrying large bags, and prohibited items include food, smoking items, drones, and tripods.
2. Dress Code: Dress modestly as it is a heritage site.
3. Footwear: You will need to remove or cover your shoes with shoe covers (provided) when entering the mausoleum.
4. Photography: Photography is allowed outside the mausoleum but prohibited inside.
5. Local Transport: Use cycle rickshaws, electric buses, or walk from the parking area to reduce pollution around the site.