Golden Triangle Tour
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is one of the world's most recognisable and evocative sights. No matter what you've read or heard, unless you see the Taj you know nothing of its spectacular architecture and aesthetic beauty. Set over looking the River Yamuna, visible from Agra Fort in the West, the Taj was built by Shah Jahan to enshrine the body of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to her 14th child, in 1631.
At the brink of dawn when the first rays of the sun hits the dome of this epic monument, it radiates like a heavenly abode, cloaked in bright golden. And then at dusk, basking in the glory of moon, it shines like a perfectly carved diamond; appearing as if straight out of some magical tale, leaving the viewers awestruck by its sense of grandeur. Nothing short of an architectural marvel, no wonder it stands proud at being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. And the rich beauty of this visual spectacle turns visceral when one hears the story behind it. The story of Taj Mahal!
Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous to love and romance. It is believed that the name "Taj Mahal" was derived from the name of Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal and means "Crown Palace". The purity of the white marble, the exquisite ornamentation, precious gemstones used and its picturesque location, all make a visit to the Taj Mahal gain a place amongst the most sought-after tours in the world. However, until you know the love story behind the construction of the Taj Mahal, the beauty of the same would not enliven in your heart and mind and instead would come up as just another beautiful building/monument. It is the love behind this outstanding monument that has given a life to this monument. Come and explore the visceral charisma that it emanates!
Much of the Fascinating of the Taj Mahal lies in the history behind it. According to legend, Prince Khurram, who was later known as Shah Jahan, was the eldest son of emperor Jehangir and also a favorite of his father. Khurram married Arumand in 1612 when he was 20 years old. Over time Ariumand Banu proved herself to be a worthy and honourable queen and came to be known as ‘Mumtaz Mahal’. Her beauty was set off by the compassion and generosity of her nature that won her admirers amongst all people. Over 19 years of marriage she stood by her husband through the mot difficult of times and even accompanied him on his fighting tours. It is believed that for Shah Jahan the world began and ended with her.
it was while giving birth to their fourteenth child that Mumtaz Mahal died, leaving behind a distraught husband and a mourning empire. However, before giving up her last breath she asked her husband for one last wish – she wanted an unforgettable monument to be built in her memory, a monument like none other in the world. She made her husband promise this and the Taj Mahal was his fulfilling of the promise.
Built between 1632 and 1648 A.D. over a period of 17 years and with twenty thousand men working on it day and night, this monument in white marble is one of the seven wonders of the world and perhaps the most famous piece of architecture in India. It is said that even while he was imprisoned in a tower some distance from the monument, Shah Jahan would look at the reflection of his beloved wife’s tomb in a small mirror he had with him. While the beauty, grandeur and elegance of the structure are its main hallmarks, what makes the Taj Mahal alive even today is the love of an emperor for his deceased wife and his tribute to their lives together.
Architecturally, Taj was the greatest peace of architecture that Mughals produced, but it is a natural growth from the tomb of Humayun and to a lesser extent from certain other, prominent is the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah in Agra itself. But it is far superior to any of them in the dignity of its grouping and disposition, in the masterly contrast between the central dome and the slender minarets, in the chaste refinement and painstaking craftsmanship of its details, and above all in the splendor of its materials. The design of Taj is more Persian and less Indian than any building we have encountered, but it is again difficult to find any thing of Taj's stature in Persia (Iran).
A world Heritage Site
India has been home to many world heritage sites, which reflects the country's rich cultural and architecture heritage. The symbol of love - Taj Mahal - is one such heritage that every Indian is proud of. Built in 1631 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is located on the bank of the Yamuna in Agra, which is about 220 kilometres from Delhi, India.
It is the unique design and the timeless appeal of the Taj Mahal that sets it apart from other world heritage sites. It is this character of the Taj Mahal that has made it a wonder that people from across the world tour India to see it.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which, encourages the protection and preservation of heritage sites world over declared Taj Mahal a world heritage site in 1983. Once on the world heritage list, a monument receives patronage from the Unesco in terms of technical assistance and professional training. The organization also provides emergency assistance and public awareness for world heritage conservation.
The Taj Museum
The museum was established in 1982 in the ground floor in western Naubat Khana, also known as Jal Mahal, with in the Taj Mahal complex. It is a double storied building having a quadrangle projection outside and is built on a raised platform. Taj Museum is one of the famous tourist attractions in Agra. It is located within the premises of Taj Mahal which is touted to be an epitome of eternal love and a renowned white marble architectural masterpiece.
The museum comprises of three galleries in addition to the main hall and has on display various exhibits relating mostly to the construction of the Taj Mahal and to the period of its builders. Totally 121 antiquities are on display, which are broadly categorized as Mughal miniature paintings, manuscripts, government decrees, specimen of calligraphy, arms, utensils, plans and drawings of Taj Complex, paintings, specimen inlay work, marble pillars, etc.
A travel to the Taj Museum will be exciting and interesting too as in the first gallery you will see the blue prints of Taj Mahal and the farmans (decrees) that ascertained the regular supply of essential materials used in the construction of Taj Mahal. In the second gallery of this museum you will see the jade and porcelain objects including Quaran stand, an attractive spouted vase or lota, bowl and dishes. Besides war implements like swords and daggers are also exhibited here. There is a world map also in this gallery which shows the places from where stones used in inlay work were transported.
Lastly, in the 3rd gallery of the museum are kept farmans and documents, specimen of calligraphy, 2 paintings of Taj Mahal made by the British artist Daniel in 1795 AD. You will also find the details of the auction of fruits held in the garden of the mausoleum of Taj ganj among other records.