The mausoleum-mosque of the Taj Mahal is a recognized masterpiece of world heritage and one of the seven New Wonders of the World, which is located in the city of Agra near the Jumna River in India. The mosque was built in the 17th century by order of Shah Jahan, the padishah of the Mughal Empire, who dedicated the construction of the Taj Mahal to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (later the Indian Shah himself was buried here).

The history of the Taj Mahal mausoleum in India

The creation of the Taj Mahal is associated with the legend of the love of the padishah Shah Jahan and the girl Mumtaz Mahal, who traded at the local market. The Indian ruler was so captivated by her beauty that they soon got married. In a happy marriage, 14 children were born, but during the birth of the last child, Mumtaz Mahal died. Shah Jahan was depressed by the death of his beloved wife and in memory of her ordered the construction of a mausoleum, more beautiful than anywhere else.

The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and was completed in 1653. About 20 thousand craftsmen and workers from all over the empire were involved in the construction. A group of architects worked on the mosque, but the main idea belongs to Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, there is also a version that the main author of the project is the Persian architect Ustad Isa (Isa Muhammad Effendi).

The construction of the tomb and platform took approximately 12 years. Over the next ten years, minarets, a mosque, a javab and a large gate were erected.

Tombs of King Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal

Taj Mahal - a wonder of the world: the architecture of the mosque

The Taj Mahal Palace is a five-domed structure with 4 minarets at the corners. Inside the mausoleum there are two tombs - the shah and his wife.

The mosque was erected on a platform, the strength of the foundation is due to the fact that the level of the site was raised 50 meters above the level of the bank of the Jamna River. The total height of the Taj Mahal is 74 meters. In front of the building there is a three-hundred-meter garden with fountains and a marble pool, at a certain angle, the entire structure is symmetrically reflected in its waters.

The most notable component of the Indian Taj Mahal is the white marble dome. The walls are also lined with polished translucent marble with elements of precious stones and gems (pearls, sapphires, turquoise, agate, malachite, carnelian and others). The Taj Mahal Mosque is made in accordance with the Islamic religious tradition, the interior is decorated with abstract symbols and lines from the Koran.

The Taj Mahal is considered the jewel of Muslim art in the country of India and the finest example of Mughal style architecture that combines Indian, Persian and Arabic elements.

• Since 2007, the Indian Taj Mahal has been on the list of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
• What is the Taj Mahal? This name is translated from Persian as " Grand Palace"("Taj" - crown, "Mahal" - palace).
• Many valuable interior items of the Taj Mahal were stolen - precious stones, gems, the crown of the main dome - a golden spire and even entrance doors made of silver.
• Due to the peculiarity of marble, at different times of the day and depending on the weather, the Taj Mahal mosque is able to change color: during the day the building looks white, pink at dawn, and silver on a moonlit night.
• Tens of thousands of people visit the Taj Mahal daily; per year - from 3 to 5 million people. Peak season is October, November and February.
• The Taj Mahal has been featured in many films, the most popular of which are: "Armageddon", "Mars Attacks!", "Before You Play Box", "Life After People", "The Last Dance", "Slumdog Millionaire".
• Airplanes are not allowed to fly over the Taj Mahal.

How to visit: price, tickets, opening hours

Entry fee*: for foreigners - 1000 INR**, for citizens of India - 530 INR.**

*The ticket includes a visit to the Taj Mahal, the ancient fort (Agra Fort) and Mini Taj (Baby Taj) - the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula.
**INR - Indian Rupee (1000 INR = 15.32 $)
** Prices are as of October 2017

Opening hours:

• Daytime: 6:00 - 19:00 (weekdays, except Fridays - the day of prayers in the mosque).
• Evening time: 20:30 - 00:30 (2 days before and 2 days after the full moon, except Fridays and the month of Ramadan).

Visiting Rules: only small handbags are allowed to be brought into the Taj Mahal, mobile phones, cameras, small video cameras, water in transparent bottles.

How to get to the Taj Mahal Temple

Where is the Taj Mahal: India, Uttar Pradesh, Agra, Tejginj district, Forest Koloni, Dharmaperi.

If you are vacationing in Goa and want to get to the Taj Mahal, then there are no direct flights from Goa airport to Agra. By plane you can fly to Delhi, and from there there are daily flights to the city of Agra. The distance between Goa and Agra is about 2000 km.

From Delhi to Agra on your own: by plane - 3-4 hours on the way; by bus - $15-20 (3 hours on the way); morning train 12002 Bhopal Shatabdi - 5-10 $ (2-3 hours on the way).

The easiest way: order an excursion or organize an individual tour to Agra with a visit to the Taj Mahal. Most popular: Goa-Agra tour, Delhi-Agra tour.

To be closer to a popular attraction or to see the Taj Mahal from the rooftops of hotels and guesthouses, book hotels in Agra using the convenient Planet of Hotels service.

2.5 km from the Taj Mahal is the second most popular attraction of the city - Agra Fort. So you can see two architectural masterpiece in a day.

Taj Mahal on Agra map

The mausoleum-mosque of the Taj Mahal is a recognized masterpiece of world heritage and one of the seven New Wonders of the World, which is located in the city of Agra near the Jumna River in India. The mosque was built in the 17th century by order of Shah Jahan, the padishah of the Mughal Empire, who dedicated the construction of the Taj Mahal to his wife Mumtaz Mahal (later the Indian Shah himself was buried here).

This is greatest monument India, which was built in the name of love and extraordinary devotion to a woman of amazing beauty. In its grandeur, it has no analogues in the whole world and reflects a rich period in the history of its state, which captured an entire era.

The building, built of white marble, was the last gift of Emperor Shah Jahan to his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The emperor ordered to find the best craftsmen who would build a mausoleum so beautiful that it had no analogues in the world.

To date, the Taj Mahal is on the list of the seven most majestic monuments in the world. Made of white marble, decorated with gold and semi-precious stones, the Taj Mahal has become one of the most beautiful buildings in architecture. It's hard not to recognize it and is the most photographed structure in the world.

The Taj Mahal has become not only the pearl of the entire Muslim culture of India, but also one of the recognized world masterpieces. For many centuries it has inspired artists, musicians and poets who have tried to translate the invisible magic of this building into paintings, music and poems.

Since the 17th century, people have crossed entire continents on purpose just to see and enjoy this truly fabulous monument of love. Even centuries later, it still captivates visitors with its architecture, which tells about mysterious history deep love.

Taj Mahal, translated as "Palace with a dome", and today is considered the most preserved, architecturally beautiful mausoleum in the world. Some call it "an elegy in marble", for others the Taj Mahal is an eternal symbol of unfading love.

The Indian poet Rabindanath Tagore called it "a tear on the cheek of eternity", and the English poet Edwin Arnold said - "this is not a work of architecture, like other buildings, but the emperor's love torment, embodied in living stones."

Creator of the Taj Mahal

Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal emperor, and in addition to the Taj Mahal, he left behind many beautiful monuments of architecture that are now associated with the face of India. Such as the Pearl Mosque located in Agra, Shahjahanabad (now Old Delhi), Divan-i-Khas and Divan-i-Am, in the Red Fort citadel (Delhi). And also, considered the most luxurious throne in the world, the Peacock Throne of the Great Mongols. But the most famous was, of course, the Taj Mahal, which immortalized his name forever.

Shah Jahan had several wives. In 1607, he was engaged to a young girl Arjumanad Banu Begam, who at that time was only 14 years old, five years later the wedding took place. During the ceremony, Shah Jahan's father, Jahangir, named his daughter-in-law Mumtaz Mahal, which means "Pearl of the Palace".

According to the chronicles of Kazvani, "the emperor's relations with other wives were simply formal, and all the attention, favor, intimacy and deep affection that Jahan felt for Mumtaz were a thousand times stronger in relation to his other wives."

Shah Jahan, "Lord of the World", was a great patron of crafts and commerce, art and gardens, science and architecture. He rose to the head of the empire in 1628 after the death of his father and rightfully earned the reputation of a ruthless ruler. After a series of successful military campaigns, Emperor Shah Jahan significantly increased the territory of the Mongol Empire. At the peak of his reign, he was considered the most powerful man on the planet, and the wealth and splendor of his court amazed all European travelers.

But his personal life was overshadowed in 1631, when his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died during childbirth. As legend has it, Jahan promised his dying wife that he would build the most beautiful mausoleum that could not be compared to anything else in the world. Whether it was so or not, Shah Jahan embodied his wealth and all his love for Mumtaz in the creation of the promised monument.

Shah Jahan until the end of his days looked at his beautiful creation, but not as a ruler, but as a prisoner. He was imprisoned in the Red Fort in Agra by his own son Aurangzeb, who in 1658 seized the throne. The only consolation for the former emperor was the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal through the window. And before his death, in 1666, Shah Jahan asked to fulfill his last wish: to carry him to the window overlooking the Taj Mahal, where he last time whispered the name of his beloved.

Mumtaz married on 10 May 1612 after five years of engagement. This date was chosen for the couple by court astrologers, claiming that this is the most auspicious day for marriage. And they were right, the marriage was happy for both Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Even during his lifetime, all the poets praised the extraordinary beauty, harmony and boundless mercy of Mamtaz Mahal.

Traveling with Shah Jahan throughout the Mughal Empire, she became his reliable life partner. Only war could separate them, but in the future, even war could not separate them. Mumtaz Mahal became a support and consolation for the emperor, as well as an inseparable companion of her husband until her death.

During the 19 years of her marriage, Mumtaz gave birth to 14 children to the emperor, but the last birth was fatal for her. Mumtaz dies in childbirth and her body is temporarily buried in Burhanpur.

The chroniclers of the imperial court paid unusually much attention to the experiences of Shah Jahan in connection with the death of his wife. The emperor was so inconsolable that after the death of Mumtaz, he spent a whole year in seclusion. When he came to, he no longer looked like the old emperor. His hair turned gray, his back bent and his face aged. He did not listen to music for several years, stopped wearing richly decorated clothes and jewelry, and also used perfume.

Shah Jahan died eight years after his son Aurangzeb seized the throne. "My father had great affection for my mother, so let him last resort will be by her side," said Aurangzeb and ordered that his father be buried next to Mumtaz Mahal.

There is a legend according to which Shah Jahan was going to build an exact copy of the Taj Mahal on the other side of the Yamuna River, but from black marble. But these plans were not destined to turn into reality.

Construction of the Taj Mahal

The construction of the Taj Mahal began in December 1631. It was the fulfillment of Shah Jahan's promise given to Mumtaz Mahal in the last moments of her life that he would build a monument that could match her beauty. The construction of the central mausoleum was completed in 1648, and the entire complex was completed in 1653, five years later.

No one knows who owns the layout of the Taj Mahal. Previously, in the Islamic world, the construction of buildings was attributed not to the architect, but to the customer of the construction. Based on a variety of sources, it can be argued that a team of architects worked on the project.

Like so many other great monuments, the Taj Mahal is a clear testament to the excessive wealth of its creator. For 22 years, 20,000 people worked to make Shah Jahan's fantasy come true. Sculptors came from Bukhara, calligraphers from Persia and Syria, inlay was made by craftsmen from south india, stonecutters arrived from Balochistan, and materials were brought from all over Central Asia and India.

Architecture of the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal consists of the following buildings:

• Main entrance (Darwaza)
• Mausoleum (Rauza)
• Gardens
• Mosque
• Guest house

The mausoleum is surrounded on one side by a guest house, and on the other by a mosque. The building, made of white marble, is surrounded by four minarets, which are tilted to the outside so that the destruction of the central dome does not damage it. The complex stands in a garden with a huge pool, which reflects a copy of the beauty of the Taj Mahal.

Taj Mahal garden

The Taj Mahal is surrounded by a beautiful garden. For the Islamic style, the garden is not just part of the complex. Muhammad's followers lived in vast arid lands, so this walled garden represented Heaven on Earth. The territory of the garden occupies most of the complex 300x300 m, with the total area of ​​300x580 m.

Since the number 4 is considered a sacred number in Islam, the whole structure of the Taj Mahal garden is based on the number 4 and its multiples. The central pond and canals divide the garden into 4 equal parts. In each of these parts there are 16 flower beds, which are separated by footpaths.

The trees in the garden are either fruit trees, which signify life, or the cypress family, which signify death. The Taj Mahal itself is not located in the center of the garden, but on its northern edge. And in the center of the garden there is an artificial reservoir, reflecting the mausoleum in its waters.

History of the Taj Mahal after construction

Somewhere in the middle of the 19th century, the Taj Mahal turned into a place for a pleasant holiday. The girls danced on the terrace, the guest house with the mosque was rented out for wedding ceremonies. The British and Indians plundered the semi-precious stones, tapestries, rich carpets and silver doors that once adorned this mausoleum. Many vacationers took a hammer with them, in order to make it more convenient to extract pieces of carnelian and agate from stone flowers.

For some time it seemed that the Taj Mahal might disappear, like the Mongols themselves. In 1830, the Governor-General of India, William Bentinck, was going to dismantle the monument and sell its marble. It is said that only the absence of buyers prevented the destruction of the mausoleum.

The Taj Mahal suffered even more during the Indian uprising in 1857, and at the end of the 19th century it completely fell into disrepair. The graves were desecrated by vandals and the area was completely overgrown with no maintenance.

The decline lasted for many years, until Lord Kenzon (Governor General of India) organized a massive restoration project for the monument, which was completed in 1908. The building has been completely renovated and the garden and canals restored. All this helped restore the Taj Mahal to its former glory.

Many scold the British for their bad attitude towards the Taj Mahal, but the Indians did not treat him better either. As the population of Agra increased, the structure began to suffer from the resulting pollution. environment acid rain that bleached its white marble. The future of the monument was in jeopardy until, in the late 1990s, the Supreme Court of India decided to move all especially dangerous hazardous industries outside the city.

The Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mongolian architecture. It combines elements of Islamic, Persian and Indian architectural schools. In 1983, the monument was listed world heritage UNESCO, and was called "the pearl of all Muslim art in India and a masterpiece of world heritage, causing universal admiration."

The Taj Mahal has become a symbol of India for tourists, which annually attracts about 2.5 million travelers. It is considered one of the most recognizable structures in the world, and the history behind its construction makes it the greatest monument of love ever built in the world.

On July 7, 2007 in Lisbon (Portugal) the new seven wonders of the world were named and the mausoleum-mosque Taj Mahal was included in this list. It is located in Agra (India) near the Jumna River. The easiest way to get to the Taj Mahal is to fly to Delhi and from there take a bus, taxi or train to your destination. The journey by train takes up to 3 hours, by taxi 3-5 hours. It is considered a crime if you visit India and do not see the Taj Mahal.

It is simply impossible to describe the magnificence and beauty of this mosque in words. It is truly fabulous and beautiful. architectural structure, which combines elements of Islamic, Persian and Indian architectural style.

The emergence of the Taj Mahal is the story of the tender love of Shah Jahan, the Mughal king, for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Even Prince Shah Jahan married a 19-year-old girl, and his love for her was boundless. Despite the possession of a large harem, he gave all his tenderness and attention to only one Mumtaz. She bore him 14 children, six girls and eight boys. But during the last birth, Jahan's wife died. Shah Jahan's grief was so great that he lost the meaning of life, turned gray, declared 2 years of mourning and even wanted to commit suicide.

Over the grave of his wife, on the orders of Shah Jahan, the most beautiful Taj Mahal palace was built in which, a few years later, he himself was buried near the grave of his wife. Taj Mahal is not just a wonder of the world, it is a symbol of the eternal love of two people. Shah Jahan promised before his wife's death to create a monument that would convey all the beauty of Mumtaz.

Construction and architecture of the Taj Mahal

History does not answer the question of who built this mosque. The fact is that in the Islamic world of that period, all the ideas of the building were attributed not to the architect, but to the customer. A group of architects worked on the mosque, but the main idea belongs to Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. The construction of the palace began in 1631 in December. The construction of the central mausoleum was completed in 1648, and 5 years later the construction of the entire complex was completed. Over 22 years, about 20 thousand people took part in the construction of the Taj Mahal. More than a thousand elephants were used to transport materials from India and Asia. Blocks of marble were dragged by bulls along a specially built 15-kilometer ramp made of rammed earth. Sculptors from Bukhara, masons from Balochistan, inlay masters from South India, calligraphers from Persia and Syria, as well as specialists and craftsmen in cutting marble ornaments and erecting towers worked at the construction site.

The Taj Mahal is considered "the pearl of Muslim art in India". The most famous component of the palace is its white marble dome, also known as the onion dome because of its appearance. Its height is 35 meters. His crown is in the Islamic style (horns of the month pointing upwards) and was originally made of gold, but in the 19th century it was replaced with a bronze copy.

The height of the mosque itself is 74 meters and is represented by a five-domed structure with four minarets at the corners. The minarets are slightly tilted in the opposite direction from the tomb, so as not to damage it during the destruction. A garden with a swimming pool and fountains adjoins the building. Inside the mausoleum there are two tombs, which are located strictly above the burial place of the shah and his wife. The walls of the palace are made of marble inlaid with gems (carnelian, agate, malachite, turquoise, etc.). And in the rays of light, the walls are simply mesmerizing. In sunny weather, marble looks white, on a moonlit night it becomes silvery, and at dawn - pink.

The exterior of the Taj Mahal is considered one of the finest examples of architecture. Various plasters, paints, carvings and stone inlays were used to create the decorative elements of the mosque. Also, excerpts from the Koran were used for the decorative and artistic design of the complex. On the gates of the Taj Mahal is inscribed: “O you, the soul of rest! Return to your Lord contented and satisfied! Enter with My servants. Enter My Paradise!"

The interior of the palace used a huge amount of semi-precious and precious stones. Inner hall The Taj Mahal is a perfect octagon. The height of the walls is 25 meters, and the ceiling is decorated in the form of the sun and is represented by an inner dome.

The only asymmetric element of the complex is the cenotaph of Shah Jahan, which is located near the grave of his wife. It was completed later and is larger than the cenotaph of Mumtaz, but decorated with the same decorative elements. On the gravestone of Mumtaz, calligraphic inscriptions are made that praise her, and on the grave of Jahan it is written: "He went on a journey from this world to the abode of Eternity on the night of the twenty-sixth day, the month of Rajab, 1076."

To architectural complex adjoins a splendid garden that extends 300 meters in length. In the center of the park there is a water channel lined with marble and there is a pond in the middle of it. It reflects the image of the tomb. Initially, the garden struck with its abundance of vegetation, but over time, the landscaping of the garden has changed.

Myths and legends

There is a legend that Shah Jahan wanted to build an exact copy of the black marble palace on the opposite bank of the river, but did not have time. There is also a myth that the emperor brutally killed architects and craftsmen who took part in the construction of the palace, and all the builders signed an agreement in which they pledged not to take part in the construction of such a structure. But to date, such information has not been confirmed by anything and remains just a fiction and a legend.

Tourism

The Taj Mahal mosque is visited by millions of tourists every year. different countries. Tourists are interested in the fact about its optical focus. If you move backwards towards the exit, respectively, facing the palace, then there is a feeling that the mausoleum is simply huge against the backdrop of trees and the environment. And by the way, planes are not allowed to fly over the Taj Mahal. The mosque is open to the public from 6 am to 7 pm on weekdays, except Friday, when prayers are held there. Also, the Taj Mahal is open for night viewing on the day of the full moon, including two days before and after the full moon, except for Friday and the month of Ramadan.

This grandiose mausoleum is called a monument of immortal love, and for many centuries everyone has been worried about its romantic history of creation. The Taj Mahal, recognized as one of the seven new wonders of the world, has been under the protection of UNESCO since 1983. The most famous of India, which has no analogues in the whole world, characterizes a whole era of the reign of the emperor.

The sadness and tenderness expressed in stone make all travelers stop in admiration before the majestic masterpiece of art, which tells about amazing love.

History of creation

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in the city of Agra. It was erected by order of the grandson of the ruler of the country, Shah Jahan, who dreamed of fulfilling the will of his wife who died during childbirth.

They are all trials, including eternity. Surprisingly, in historical chronicles tender and romantic relations between the ruler and his wife, whom the emperor tenderly called the Taj Mahal, which means “pride of the palace”, are recorded. For Muslims, this is a rarity, because strong love is most often manifested in them for God and the homeland, but not for a woman.

ancient legends

A beautiful legend says that after the tragic death of his beloved, the emperor did not leave the chambers for a week, and when the subjects saw their master, they did not recognize him: he had aged several years and became gray-haired. Shah Jahan renounced the throne, indulging in great grief for his wife, who had gone forever.

True, there is a not so romantic version that tells that the ruler was overthrown by his own son, explaining his behavior by the fact that his father's grandiose projects are ruining the country. But this is no longer very important for posterity, because the value of the world-famous monument does not diminish from this.

Oath fulfilled

Shah Jahan remembered how the mother of his children once asked to build a beautiful palace. Distraught with grief, the ruler vowed to build the most luxurious tomb in the world. In memory of his wife, a large-scale construction of a magnificent building began.

Thus, thanks to the official records made by the subjects of the Muslim king, we became aware official history creation. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most expensive buildings in the world, on which huge amounts of money were spent.

Rest of life spent in prison

There is another legend about the desire of the emperor to build a second similar structure, but he did not have time to do it. And all that was left for him after his own son overthrew him was to look sadly from the small window of the dungeon at the stone work of art that became the tomb of his departed wife until the end of his life.

Masterpiece of world art

The construction of the Taj Mahal, the photo of which only to a small extent conveys the grandeur and scale of a work of world art, began in 1632. More than 20 thousand workers gathered from all over the country took part in the construction. About them future fate few people know, but, according to legend, so that the masters would not tell anyone the secrets of the construction of the mausoleum, they were all executed after the completion of the work.

The vending piece of land on which they erected luxury palace, did not belong to the emperor, but he bartered it from a subject to build a monument to his love. The builders filled deep wells with special mortar and stones to protect the structure from collapse due to the proximity of groundwater, and raised the foundation by 50 meters. Marble blocks were placed in the base for special reliability.

Perennial construction

For more than 12 years, the phased construction of the Taj Mahal in the city of Agra (India) has been going on. Especially for facing the mausoleum, the purest marble was brought on elephants from one province of the empire, and the construction of other structures from it was strictly prohibited.

To feed the workers, tirelessly building a magnificent monument day and night, they were brought grain, intended for shipment to the provinces, and a terrible famine began in the country, which led to an unstable financial situation.

Visual effects

It is interesting that the Taj Mahal, whose photo evokes a feeling of admiration even among the most indifferent to architecture, was designed taking into account optical illusions, which were very unusual for that time.

To get to the palace, you first need to go through the arch leading to the heritage of world culture. And here an interesting visual effect arises: as you approach it, the building seems to be moving away. The same thing happens when exiting the arch, when the Taj Mahal seems to be in some unknown way much closer than before.

Another optical illusion that misleads visitors: it seems to them that the minarets located next to the mausoleum were built in parallel. In fact, they deviate slightly to the sides, and such a project was justified by protecting the palace in case of earthquakes. Huge towers would not have damaged the mausoleum, but would have fallen next to it. Amazing but seismic dangerous place avoided cataclysms.

Tombs under the mausoleum

There are lines in the Quran that the peace of a dead person must not be disturbed. Under the main dome of the mausoleum there is a tomb, which in fact is not one. Fearing that someone would dare to disturb his beloved wife, the emperor ordered her to be buried in a secret hall located under a unique masterpiece. After the death of Shah Jahan, his remains found shelter next to his wife.

Jewelry box

Surprisingly beautiful from the inside uniting several architectural styles Indian Taj Mahal. The decoration of the walls of the luxurious halls is made according to Italian technologies. Colorful patterns of gems make the mausoleum a real treasury that stores jewels. Stones were delivered from various parts of the country, and even ambassadors came to Russia to purchase malachite, which is valued in the country.

The dividing palace

Built in accordance with Islamic ideas about the afterlife famous mausoleum The Taj Mahal is divided into two parts. The four courtyards of the caravanserai and the bazaar streets refer to earthly existence, while the mausoleum itself and the Garden of Eden belong to the other world. By the way, all the income from trade went to maintain the palace.

It is believed that the arch in front of the mausoleum and a beautiful pond laid in the middle of the main path represent the transition of a person to another world.

Who is the author of the masterpiece?

Researchers cannot accurately name the architects of the amazing masterpiece. It is well established that foreigners did not take part in the design of the mausoleum. And some experts are sure that the ruler himself acted as the main author, because he was famous for his education and sense of style.

The architecture of the mausoleum expresses the basic principles of the era: strict lines and a symmetrical layout make the earthly building look like a heavenly palace.

majestic complex

The complex itself consists of a tomb, mirrored four watchtowers - minarets, from the tops of which they called, announcing the beginning of prayers. On the sides of the mausoleum are two mosques made of compressed sand. And most of the territory of the monument of art is occupied by an amazing park with a pond, which reflects a perfect example of art. At the end of the green corridor, visitors are greeted by the luxurious Taj Mahal.

Color solution

The color design of the pearl is also noteworthy. The buildings related to earthly life are made of fiery red sandstone, and the snow-white mausoleums symbolize faith in life after death.

It is interesting to watch the play of light when the sun's rays at dawn or sunset paint the walls in delicate colors.

Contemporary Issues

Thousands of tourists, for whom the masterpiece is a symbol of India, visit the Taj Mahal. The country is proud national treasure, and local authorities are very concerned about the preservation of attractions for posterity. Unfortunately, architectural monument with a huge history settles and becomes covered with cracks.

The former capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra (India) is a densely populated city with poor environmental situation. Polluted air causes the marble to turn yellow, and periodically, to improve the appearance of the building, it is rubbed with white clay. In addition, the cladding also suffers from pigeons settling under the dome.

All visitors are carefully screened before entering. It is forbidden to bring lighters, cigarettes, food, mobile phones and even chewing gum into the mausoleum. Therefore, it is not recommended to take these things with you.

On Fridays, tourists are not allowed to enter the Taj Mahal, as Muslims gather in the nearby mosque in Agra to pray.

Symbol of immortality

Included in the list of new wonders of the world, the world masterpiece continues to excite the minds of the special beauty of architectural lines and the luxury of decoration, and creative people and all lovers are excited sad story creation.

The Taj Mahal is stunning at first sight, and every visitor touches the eternity imprinted in marble. The ancient landmark, which has become a symbol of fidelity and immortality, will remain forever in memory, and the heart will keep unforgettable experience from what you see.

Rabindranath Tagore described the Taj Mahal as "a tear on the cheek of immortality", Rudyard Kipling as "the personification of everything immaculate", and its creator Emperor Shah Jahan said that "the sun and moon shed tears from their eyes." Every year, tourists twice the size of Agra's population pass through the gates of the city to see for once in their lives the building, rightfully called by many the most beautiful in the world. Few leave disappointed.

This is truly a monument, beautiful in all seasons. There are those who love the view of the Taj Mahal on Sharad Purnima, the first full moon after the monsoons, on a cloudless October evening when the light is at its clearest and most romantic. Others like to look at it in the midst of the heaviest rains, when the marble becomes translucent and its reflection in the canals of the gardens surrounding the mausoleum is washed out in the rippling water. But it makes a fascinating impression at any time of the year and at any moment of the day. At dawn, its color changes from milky to silvery and pink, and at sunset it looks like it was made of gold. Look at it also in the glare of noon, when it is blindingly white.

Sunrise over the Taj Mahal

Story

Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan

The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to his 14th child in 1631. Mumtaz's death broke the Emperor's heart. It is said that he turned gray overnight. Construction of the Taj Mahal began the following year. It is believed that the main building was built in 8 years, but the entire complex was completed only in 1653. Shortly before the completion of construction, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in the Agra Fort, where he spent the remaining days looking at his creation through the dungeon window. After his death, in 1666, Shah Jahan was buried here, next to Mumtaz.

In total, about 20,000 people from India and Central Asia were employed in the construction. Specialists were brought from Europe to make the most beautiful carved marble panels and decorate them in the Pietra Dura style. (inlaid with thousands of semi-precious stones).

In 1983, the Taj Mahal was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and today looks as immaculate as it was after construction was completed, although a large-scale restoration was carried out at the beginning of the 20th century. In 2002, as the building gradually lost its color due to the severe pollution of the city, it was refreshed using an ancient recipe for a cosmetic face mask used by Indian women to preserve the beauty of the skin. This mask is called multani mitti - a mixture of earth, cereals, milk and lemon. Now, within a few hundred meters around the building, it is allowed to drive only on environmentally friendly vehicles.

Panorama of the Taj Mahal

Architecture

Persian calligraphy

It is not known exactly who exactly was the architect of the Taj Mahal, but the honor of its creation is often attributed to an Indian architect of Persian origin named Ustad Ahmad Lahori. Construction began in 1630. The best masons, artisans, sculptors and calligraphers were invited from Persia, the Ottoman Empire and European countries. The complex, located on the southwestern bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, consists of five main buildings: these are the darvaza, or main gate; bageecha, or garden; masjid, or mosque; the nakkar zana, or rest house, and the rauza, the mausoleum itself, where the tomb is located.

Flowers carved in marble

The unique style of the Taj Mahal combines elements of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. Among the attractions of the complex - a marble floor in a black and white checkerboard pattern, four 40-meter minarets at the corners of the mausoleum and a majestic dome in the center.

Arched vault

Surahs from the Qur'an written around arched openings appear to be the same size no matter how far from the floor they are - an optical illusion created by using larger font and letter spacing as the height of the inscription increases. There are other optical illusions in the Taj Mahal mausoleum. The imposing pietra dura decorations include geometric elements, as well as images of plants and flowers, traditional in Islamic architecture. The level of craftsmanship and the complexity of the work on the monument become clear when you start to look at small details: for example, in some places more than 50 precious inlays are used on one decorative element measuring 3 cm.

The gate to the gardens of the mausoleum can be admired as a masterpiece in its own right, with graceful marble arches, domed chambers on four corner towers and two rows of 11 small chattris. (umbrella domes) above the entrance. They are the perfect frame for a first look at the whole ensemble.

Char Bagh (four gardens)- an integral part of the Taj Mahal, in a spiritual sense symbolizing paradise, where Mumtaz Mahal ascended, and in an artistic sense emphasizing the color and texture of the mausoleum. Dark cypress trees enhance the brilliance of the marble, and the channels (on the rare occasions when they are full), converging on a wide central viewing platform, not only provide an excellent second image of the monument, but, since they reflect the sky, they add a soft illumination from below at dawn and dusk.

Unfortunately, the vandals stole all the treasures of the tomb, but still the delicate beauty of roses and poppies was preserved in richly inlaid slabs of onyx, green chrysolite, carnelian and agate of various colors.

Minaret

On either side of the mausoleum are two almost identical buildings: to the west is a mosque, to the east is a building that may have served as a pavilion for guests, although its main purpose was to provide complete symmetry to everything architectural ensemble. Each of them looks great - try to look at the pavilion at sunrise, and at the mosque at sunset. Exit also to the back of the Taj Mahal, to the terrace, from where you can see the Jumna River all the way to the Agra Fort. At dawn the best (and cheap) the viewpoint is on the opposite bank of the river, where, according to the popular (but probably unreliable) According to legend, Shah Jahan planned to install a completely black marble mirror reflecting the Taj Mahal. A string of boats lined up along the shore, ready to transport tourists across the river.

Top of the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal itself stands on a raised marble platform at the north end of the ornamental gardens, with its back facing the Yamuna River. The elevated position means that "only the sky is higher" - this is an elegant move by the designers. Decorative 40-meter white minarets adorn the building from all four corners of the platform. After more than three centuries, they leaned a little, but perhaps this was deliberately conceived. (installation at a slight angle from the building) so that in the event of an earthquake, they would fall not on the Taj Mahal, but away from it. The red sandstone mosque on the west side is an important temple for the Muslims of Agra.

Cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal

The mausoleum of the Taj Mahal was erected from translucent white marble blocks, on which flowers are carved and a mosaic of thousands of semi-precious stones is laid out. This is an excellent example of symmetry - four identical sides of the Taj with magnificent arches, decorated with carved scrollwork in the style of pietra dura and citations from the Koran, carved in calligraphic script and decorated with jasper. The whole structure is crowned by four small domes surrounding the famous central bulbous dome.

Immediately below the main dome is the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal, a tombstone (false) fine workmanship, surrounded by perforated marble slabs, decorated with dozens of different semi-precious stones. The cenotaph of Shah Jahan, who was buried by his overthrown son Aurangzeb in 1666, was also installed here, breaking the symmetry. Light penetrates into the central room through carved marble screens. The real graves of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are in a closed room on the ground floor under the main hall. They cannot be seen.

Requiem in marble

Mahal means "palace", but in this case Taj Mahal is a diminutive of Mumtaz Mahal ("gem of the palace"), which was given to Shah Jahan's cousin when she married him. The daughter of his mother's brother, she was his constant companion long before he received the throne, and later she was the first lady among hundreds of others in his harem. During 19 years of marriage, she bore him 14 children and died in childbirth of the last child in 1631.

Legend has it that Shah Jahan's beard - he was 39 years old, only a year older than his wife - turned white virtually overnight after her death, and he continued to mourn for several years, dressing in white on each anniversary of her death. It took twelve years to build the Taj Mahal. tireless work with a Persian architect and craftsmen brought from Baghdad, Italy and France - a period that can be considered the highest expression of his grief. “The Empire has no sweetness for me now,” he wrote. “Life itself has lost all taste for me.”

Myths about the Taj Mahal

Taj - Hindu temple

A popular theory is that the Taj was actually a Shiva temple built in the 12th century. and was later transformed into the famous Mumtaz Mahal mausoleum, owned by Purushottam Nagesh Oak. He asked to open the sealed basement rooms of the Taj to prove his theory, but in 2000 the Supreme Court of India rejected his request. Purushottam Nagesh also states that the Kaaba, Stonehenge and the papacy are also of Hindu origin.

Black Taj Mahal

This is the story that Shah Jahan planned to build a twin Taj Mahal of black marble on the opposite side of the river as his own mausoleum, and this work was started by his son Aurangzeb after he imprisoned his father in the fortress of Agra. Intensive excavations in the Mehtab Bagh area have not confirmed this assumption. No traces of construction have been found.

Dismemberment of the masters

Legend says that after the completion of the construction of the Taj, Shah Jahan ordered the masters to cut off the hands and gouge out the eyes of the masters so that they could never repeat it again. Fortunately, this story has not found any historical confirmation.

Settling Taj Mahal

Some experts claim that, according to some reports, the Taj Mahal is slowly leaning towards the riverbed and this is due to changes in the soil due to the gradual drying of the Yamuna River. The Archaeological Survey of India declared the existing changes in the height of the building minor, adding that no structural changes or damage had been found in the 70 years since the first scientific survey of the Taj Mahal, carried out in 1941.

Taj Mahal Museum

The Taj Mahal complex includes a small but wonderful Taj Museum (admission 5 rupees; 10:00-17:00 Saturday-Thursday). It is located in the western part of the gardens. The museum houses original Mughal miniatures, a pair of ivory portraits of Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (XVII century). There are also several well-preserved gold and silver coins from the same period, architectural drawings of the Taj, and some elegant celadon plates that are rumored to break into pieces or change color if the food on the plate contains poison.

The best views of the Taj Mahal

In the territory of the Taj

For pleasure, you will have to pay 750 rupees, but only inside the complex around the Taj Mahal you can fully experience all the beauty and power of the Taj Mahal itself. beautiful building on the ground. Check out the mosaic (pietra fool) inside niches with arches (pishtakov) on the four outer walls. Don't forget to take a flashlight with you to get a better look at similar ornaments inside the dark central hall of the mausoleum. Pay attention to white marble and semi-precious stones interspersed in it.

The main thing is to get

From Mehtab Bagh

Tourists are no longer allowed to walk freely along the promenade on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River, but it is still possible to admire the Taj Mahal from behind, from Mehtaba Bagh Park (XVI century) on the other side of the river. The path leading down to the river will take you to a place where the same views can be enjoyed for free, albeit from a limited perspective.

View from the south bank of the river

This is perfect place to watch the sunset. Follow the path that runs along the eastern wall of the Taj Mahal, down to a small temple by the river. There you will find boats on which you can ride along the river and enjoy even more romantic views. Get ready to pay about 100 rupees for a boat. For safety reasons, it is better not to go here alone at sunset.

From the roof of the cafe in Taj Ganj

A great option for photographing at dawn is the rooftops of the cafe in Taj Ganj. The pictures come out very beautiful. We think the roof top cafe at Saniya Palace is the best place. The location is excellent, there is a lot of greenery around. But in principle these good places many, and they all offer as a bonus a view of the Taj Mahal, which you can admire with a cup of morning coffee.

Territory of the Taj Mahal

From Agra Fort

Having a camera with a decent lens is a great way to take gorgeous photos of the Taj Mahal from Agra Fort, especially if you're ready to get up at dawn and catch the moment when the sun rises from behind its walls. Perhaps, best places for filming is Musamman Burj and Khas Mahal, the octagonal tower and palace where Shah Jahan was imprisoned and where he spent the last eight years of his life.

Information for visitors

Taj Mahal opening hours

The mausoleum is open daily from 6 am to 7 pm, except Friday (On this day it is open only to those who come to the Friday service at the mosque on the territory of the Taj Mahal).

You can also admire the Taj Mahal by moonlight - two days before and two days after the full moon, the mausoleum is open in the evening hours - from 20.30 to midnight.

Entrance

Entrance to the Taj Mahal costs 750 INR (about $12), children under 15 years old - admission is free.

Best time to visit the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is magnificent at dawn. It's definitely the best time to visit, and there are fewer people during these hours. Sunset is another magical time to enjoy wonderful views. You can view the Taj for five nights during the full moon. The number of entries is limited. Tickets must be purchased the day before the visit at the Archaeological Intelligence Office of India (12227263; www.asi.nic.in; 22 Mall; Indians/Foreigners 510/750 INR). Read the details on their website. Be aware that among rickshaw drivers this office is known as the Taj Mahal Office.

Photo and video shooting

Photo and video shooting with professional equipment is prohibited (DSLRs are usually not considered professional equipment due to their high popularity among tourists, but there may be problems if you have a very large lens). Permission to shoot with a regular camera will cost an additional 25 INR.

Sunlit Taj Mahal

How to get there

Taj Mahal is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in the city of Agra - it is about 200 km. from Delhi.

The following trains run from Delhi to Agra:

• Shatabdi Express - leaves New Delhi Station at 6:00 am, back at 20:40 (journey time 2 hours).
• "Taj-Express" - departs from Nizamuddin Station at 7:15, back at 18:50 (journey time 3 hours).
• In addition to them, all trains to Calcutta, Mumbai and Gwalior go through Agra.

In addition, you can also get to Agra by bus (express from 3 hours), taxi (2000 INR) or by ordering a group tour (from 1500 INR, including entrance tickets).

Already from Agra itself to the Taj Mahal can be reached by rickshaw or taxi.