Taj Mahal Architecture

The stunningly beautiful Taj Mahal is classic example of Indo -Islamic architecture at its very best. A brainchild of Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who has been accredited for the beautiful design of Taj Mahal Agra, the monument is built entirely out of white Makrana marble brought in especially from Rajasthan. The Taj Mahal architecture is highly complex as it is unique, given the fact that seen from any side, any angle, the Taj always appears to be exactly same- in perfect symmetry.

Architecturally, the Taj Mahal comprises of five main structures- Darwaza (main gateway), Bageecha (garden), Masjid (mosque), Naqqar Khaana (guest house) and the Rauza (mausoleum). The Darwaza acts as the main entrance to the Taj Mahal and contains beautiful Islamic calligraphy and floral decorations. Walk through the narrow path amidst the Bageecha that will take you right in front of Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is situated on a raised platform that is over 6 meters high. The actual tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are in the basement below this platform. The platform covers an area of almost 94 sq meters. A tall minaret of over 40 meters reaches up to the sky at each corner of the platform. Both sides of the Taj Mahal are graced by two red sandstone buildings - a mosque to the west and a guesthouse to the east. This adds to the inherent symmetry of the Taj Mahal Agra, which is further enhanced by the surrounding fountains and waterways. The whole structure of the Taj Mahal is is topped off by four small domes surrounding the famous bulbous central dome.

Right below the main dome is the Cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal ( the false tomb), which is beautifully decorated with semiprecious stones and exquisite perforated screen along with the tomb of Shah Jahan, which was placed later.

The architecture of Taj Mahal Agra India is best known for its peitra dura work that can be seen on the insides of the monument. Peitra dura refers to the art of inserting soft precious stones inside the marble carvings in such a manner that the surface remains as smooth as silk and no joints can be seen. Semi precious stones such as jasper, jade, turquoise, lapis lazuli and sapphire, were used in these decorative devices, many of which can still be seen along with inscriptions from the Quran, geometrical designs and graceful depictions of flowers and plants.

The stunning Taj Mahal architecture is reflected in the chaste refinement and painstaking craftsmanship of its stylistic details, making the Taj Mahal in Agra, India one of the best known monument the world over.

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