 There are several monuments in Taj Mahal that add to the beauty of the marble dome. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal stands as the testimony of love between the emperor and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Apart from the main building there are several units within this monument that are worth checking out.
These are: The main gateway of the Taj Mahal has been adorned with Hindu motifs. In fact the Hindu style of architecture is quite dominant as far this unit of the Taj Mahal is concerned. Shah Jahan has always led a lavish life. This gateway is the stepping stone to the opulence of the Mughal emperor. Beyond the 'darwaza' stands one of the world's Seven Wonders of the World, a saga of love etched out in marble. Within the premises of Taj Mahal lies the mosque or the 'masjid.' Built in red sandstone the mosque faces the direction of Mecca, the holy city for the Muslims. It is still used for offering prayers. The sculpture of the mosque is as interesting as the rest of the monument. It is built with Pietra Dura and there are 4 octagonal towers and 3 domes. Inside the mosque the floor is spanking clean. It reflects a velvet red shade and is further covered with as many as 539 carpets. These are the prayer carpets. The calligraphy within the mosque display quotations from the Quran. Opposite to the mosque stands the Naqqar Khana or the Rest house. This unit has also been built in red sandstone. This building is faced away from the direction of the Mecca. Another unit of the Taj Mahal that adds to the charm of the monument is the garden. Sprawling and well maintained the garden in Taj Mahal mainly comprises Cyprus and other fruit beating trees. Coincidentally these trees signify death. Four is considered to be a holy number in Islam. Hence the flower arrangements in the Taj Garden or the Char Bagh are made in four or its multiples. 
Last but not the least Taj Mahal comprises the main mausoleum or the Rauza. It stands at a height of 200 feet. The mausoleum is situated opposite the Taj garden as the River Jamuna meanders in the background. The sculpture of Taj Mahal is exquisite to say the least. A marble podium has been built and above it one will come across the four minarets placed at the four corners of the podium. These minarets are almost 138 ft high. The interior of the Taj Mahal have been adorned with outstanding calligraphy, frescos, arched gateways and an amalgamation of Persian and Hindu art. The artistic wizardry of these monuments in Taj Mahal definitely makes the monument in Agra worth a visit. |
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