Glistening in the sunrise like a precious jewel in a Shah’s turban, the Taj Mahal – meaning “Crown Palace”, is located in Agra, some 250km away from the present day Indian capital – Delhi. Of course, way back when it was built in 1648, Agra was actually the capital city of the Mughal empire. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this meticulous masterpiece, in honour of his late and favourite wife (yes he had a few!). It is in fact her mausoleum. I expect you may have heard that fact before. Well, clearly he must have loved her infinitely, as the Taj is a labour of love indeed!
Architected by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, it took 20-odd years to complete the homage, which doesn’t seem too long, until we consider the 20,000 workers involved! Why may it have taken so many people so long? Perhaps getting the materials to the site? Well, it is whack bang on the Yamuna river, which would have made it a whole lot easier. Maybe it was obtaining and moving all the marble? I have never seen such opulence in my life.
Well, what I did not know prior to my visit, is that the Mughals were a dynasty of Muslim faith. So, the Taj Mahal is in fact a work of Islamic art. As you get up close, you can start to see familiar flourishes and hallmarks. As we know from Islamic architecture, the intricacy and ornateness is on a level insane. Highly skilled craftspeople painstakingly inlaid precious stones into the solid white marble, including onyx, jade and lapis lazuli. I think this technique is where all the hours went! Again, it makes you consider what she meant to her dear husband.
Why does the Taj Mahal rate where it does? It is the most visually grand, opulent and ornate of all 7 New Wonders, and who does not melt in the presence of a good old love story?!
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