India, UP, Agra, Taj Mahal

Entrance to Taj Mahal. The Great gate (Darwaza-i rauza)—gateway to the Taj Mahal. The complex is bounded on three sides by crenellated red sandstone walls, with the river-facing side left open. The main gateway (darwaza) is a monumental structure built primarily of marble which is reminiscent of Mughal architecture of earlier emperors. Its archways mirror the shape of tomb's archways, and its pishtaq arches incorporate the calligraphy that decorates the tomb. It utilizes bas-relief and pietra dura inlaid decorations with floral motifs. The vaulted ceilings and walls have elaborate geometric designs, like those found in the other sandstone buildings of the complex.Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP), India.

AgraIslamicMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanTaj MahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradesharchitectural stylesbegamcomplexeternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsgeometric designsiconindianlove storymarblemausoleummotifsandstonestatestonestajtombwife

Entrance to Taj Mahal. The Great gate (Darwaza-i rauza)—gateway to the Taj Mahal. The complex is bounded on three sides by crenellated red sandstone walls, with the river-facing side left open. The main gateway (darwaza) is a monumental structure built primarily of marble which is reminiscent of Mughal architecture of earlier emperors. Its archways mirror the shape of tomb's archways, and its pishtaq arches incorporate the calligraphy that decorates the tomb. It utilizes bas-relief and pietra dura inlaid decorations with floral motifs. The vaulted ceilings and walls have elaborate geometric designs, like those found in the other sandstone buildings of the complex.Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP), India.

AgraIslamicMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanTaj MahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradesharchitectural stylesbegamcomplexeternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsgeometric designsiconindianlove storymarblemausoleummotifsandstonestatestonestajtombwife

Entrance to Taj Mahal. The Great gate (Darwaza-i rauza)—gateway to the Taj Mahal. The complex is bounded on three sides by crenellated red sandstone walls, with the river-facing side left open. The main gateway (darwaza) is a monumental structure built primarily of marble which is reminiscent of Mughal architecture of earlier emperors. Its archways mirror the shape of tomb's archways, and its pishtaq arches incorporate the calligraphy that decorates the tomb. It utilizes bas-relief and pietra dura inlaid decorations with floral motifs. The vaulted ceilings and walls have elaborate geometric designs, like those found in the other sandstone buildings of the complex.Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP), India.

AgraIslamicMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanTaj MahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradesharchitectural stylesbegamcomplexeternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsgeometric designsiconindianlove storymarblemausoleummotifsandstonestatestonestajtombwife

The marble dome that surmounts the Taj Mahal tomb is the most spectacular feature. The top is decorated with a lotus design, which also serves to accentuate its height. The shape of the dome is emphasised by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its corners, which replicate the onion shape of the main dome. Their columned bases open through the roof of the tomb and provide light to the interior. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward. Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns of the moon and the finial point combine to create a trident shape, reminiscent of traditional Hindu symbols of Shiva. Tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend from edges of base walls, and provide visual emphasis to the height of the dome. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

AgraIslamicMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanTaj MahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradesharchitectural stylesbegamcomplexeternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsgeometric designsiconindianlove storymarblemausoleummotifsandstonestatestonestajtombwife

The marble dome that surmounts the Taj Mahal tomb is the most spectacular feature. The top is decorated with a lotus design, which also serves to accentuate its height. The shape of the dome is emphasised by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its corners, which replicate the onion shape of the main dome. Their columned bases open through the roof of the tomb and provide light to the interior. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward. Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns of the moon and the finial point combine to create a trident shape, reminiscent of traditional Hindu symbols of Shiva. Tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend from edges of base walls, and provide visual emphasis to the height of the dome. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

AgraIslamicMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanTaj MahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradesharchitectural stylesbegamcomplexeternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsgeometric designsiconindianlove storymarblemausoleummotifsandstonestatestonestajtombwife

The marble dome that surmounts the Taj Mahal tomb is the most spectacular feature. The top is decorated with a lotus design, which also serves to accentuate its height. The shape of the dome is emphasised by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its corners, which replicate the onion shape of the main dome. Their columned bases open through the roof of the tomb and provide light to the interior. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward. Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns of the moon and the finial point combine to create a trident shape, reminiscent of traditional Hindu symbols of Shiva. Tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend from edges of base walls, and provide visual emphasis to the height of the dome. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

AgraIslamicMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanTaj MahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradesharchitectural stylesbegamcomplexeternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsgeometric designsiconindianlove storymarblemausoleummotifsandstonestatestonestajtombwife

The marble dome that surmounts the Taj Mahal tomb is the most spectacular feature. The top is decorated with a lotus design, which also serves to accentuate its height. The shape of the dome is emphasised by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its corners, which replicate the onion shape of the main dome. Their columned bases open through the roof of the tomb and provide light to the interior. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward. Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns of the moon and the finial point combine to create a trident shape, reminiscent of traditional Hindu symbols of Shiva. Tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend from edges of base walls, and provide visual emphasis to the height of the dome. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

AgraIslamicMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanTaj MahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradesharchitectural stylesbegamcomplexeternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsgeometric designsiconindianlove storymarblemausoleummotifsandstonestatestonestajtombwife

View of the main structure of the magistic Taj Mahal complex from the entrance - The Great gate (Darwaza-i rauza)—gateway. The complex is bounded on three sides by crenellated red sandstone walls, with the river-facing side left open. The central focus of the complex is the tomb. This large, white marble structure stands on a square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway) topped by a large dome and finial. Like most Mughal tombs, the basic elements are Persian in origin. Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP), India.

AgraIslamicMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanTaj MahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradesharchitectural stylesbegamcomplexeternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsgeometric designsiconindianlove storymarblemausoleummotifsandstonestatestonestajtombwife

Taj Mahal, India.
A raised marble water tank at the center of the garden, halfway between the tomb and gateway with a reflecting pool on a north-south axis, reflects the image of the mausoleum. The raised marble water tank is called al Hawd al-Kawthar, in reference to the "Tank of Abundance" promised to Muhammad. The garden uses raised pathways that divide each of the four quarters of the garden into 16 sunken parterres or flowerbeds. Due to its shape, the dome is often called an onion dome or amrud (guava dome). The marble dome that surmounts the tomb is the most spectacular feature.

AgraIslamicMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanTaj MahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradesharchitectural stylesbegamcomplexeternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsgeometric designsiconindianlove storymarblemausoleummotifsandstonestatestonestajtombwife

Taj Mahal mosque or masjid.
At the far end of the complex, there are two grand red sandstone buildings that are open to the sides of the tomb. Their backs parallel the western and eastern walls, and the two buildings are precise mirror images of each other. The western building is a mosque and the other is the jawab (answer), whose primary purpose was architectural balance, although it may have been used as a guesthouse. Red sandstone walls bound the Taj Mahal complex on three sides with the river-facing side left open. Outside the walls are several additional mausoleums, including those of Shah Jahan's other wives, and a larger tomb for Mumtaz's favorite servant. These structures, composed primarily of red sandstone, are typical of the smaller Mughal tombs of the era. Agra, India.

AgraIslamicMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanTaj MahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradesharchitectural stylesbegamcomplexeternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsgeometric designsiconindianlove storymarblemausoleummotifsandstonestatestonestajtombwife

The Taj Mahal (Hindi: ताज महल Persian/Urdu: تاج محل) is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Islamic, Indian and Persian architectural styles. But over and aove that the Taj is an icon of eternal love. A love story between the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his begam (wife) Mumtaz Mahal. The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished five years later. Taj Mahal is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh state (UP), North India.

Agraarchitectural stylesbegameternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsiconIndianIslamiclove storymarblemausoleumMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanstatestonestajTaj mahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradeshwife0010025482

Reflections of Taj Mahal.
The garden uses raised pathways that divide each of the four quarters of the garden into 16 sunken parterres or flowerbeds. A raised marble water tank at the center of the garden, halfway between the tomb and gateway with a reflecting pool on a north-south axis, reflects the image of the mausoleum. The raised marble water tank is called al Hawd al-Kawthar, in reference to the "Tank of Abundance" promised to Muhammad. Due to its shape, the dome is often called an onion dome or amrud (guava dome). The marble dome that surmounts the tomb is the most spectacular feature.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India10025529invert

Entrance to Taj Mahal. The Great gate (Darwaza-i rauza)—gateway to the Taj Mahal. The complex is bounded on three sides by crenellated red sandstone walls, with the river-facing side left open. The main gateway (darwaza) is a monumental structure built primarily of marble which is reminiscent of Mughal architecture of earlier emperors. Its archways mirror the shape of tomb's archways, and its pishtaq arches incorporate the calligraphy that decorates the tomb. It utilizes bas-relief and pietra dura inlaid decorations with floral motifs. The vaulted ceilings and walls have elaborate geometric designs, like those found in the other sandstone buildings of the complex.Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP), India.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

Hundreds of visitors come to the Taj Mahal. The central focus of the complex is the tomb. This large, white marble structure stands on a square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway) topped by a large dome and finial. Like most Mughal tombs, the basic elements are Persian in origin. The marble dome that surmounts the tomb is the most spectacular feature. Its height of around 35 metres (115 ft). The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry. They were designed as working minarets — a traditional element of mosques, used by the muezzin to call the Islamic faithful to prayer. Agra, Uttar Pradesh state (UP), North India.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

Taj Mahal, Agra, India.
While the white domed marble mausoleum is its most familiar component, the Taj Mahal is actually an integrated complex of structures. Building began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, and employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The marble dome that surmounts the tomb is the most spectacular feature. Because of its shape, the dome is often called an onion dome or amrud (guava dome).

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

Taj Mahal, Agra, India.
While the white domed marble mausoleum is its most familiar component, the Taj Mahal is actually an integrated complex of structures. Building began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, and employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The marble dome that surmounts the tomb is the most spectacular feature. Because of its shape, the dome is often called an onion dome or amrud (guava dome).

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

Taj Mahal. Each minaret is effectively divided into three equal parts by two working balconies that ring the tower. At the top of the tower is a final balcony surmounted by a chattri that mirrors the design of those on the tomb. The chattris all share the same decorative elements of a lotus design topped by a gilded finial. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

The marble dome that surmounts the Taj Mahal tomb is the most spectacular feature. The top is decorated with a lotus design, which also serves to accentuate its height. The shape of the dome is emphasised by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its corners, which replicate the onion shape of the main dome. Their columned bases open through the roof of the tomb and provide light to the interior. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward. Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns of the moon and the finial point combine to create a trident shape, reminiscent of traditional Hindu symbols of Shiva. Tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend from edges of base walls, and provide visual emphasis to the height of the dome. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

The marble dome that surmounts the Taj Mahal tomb is the most spectacular feature. The top is decorated with a lotus design, which also serves to accentuate its height. The shape of the dome is emphasised by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its corners, which replicate the onion shape of the main dome. Their columned bases open through the roof of the tomb and provide light to the interior. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward. Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns of the moon and the finial point combine to create a trident shape, reminiscent of traditional Hindu symbols of Shiva. Tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend from edges of base walls, and provide visual emphasis to the height of the dome. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

Taj Mahal, Agra, India.
While the white domed marble mausoleum is its most familiar component, the Taj Mahal is actually an integrated complex of structures. Building began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, and employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The marble dome that surmounts the tomb is the most spectacular feature. Because of its shape, the dome is often called an onion dome or amrud (guava dome).

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

Taj Mahal, Agra, India.
While the white domed marble mausoleum is its most familiar component, the Taj Mahal is actually an integrated complex of structures. Building began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, and employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The marble dome that surmounts the tomb is the most spectacular feature. Because of its shape, the dome is often called an onion dome or amrud (guava dome).

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India10025494

The marble dome that surmounts the Taj Mahal tomb is the most spectacular feature. The top is decorated with a lotus design, which also serves to accentuate its height. The shape of the dome is emphasised by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its corners, which replicate the onion shape of the main dome. Their columned bases open through the roof of the tomb and provide light to the interior. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward. Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns of the moon and the finial point combine to create a trident shape, reminiscent of traditional Hindu symbols of Shiva. Tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend from edges of base walls, and provide visual emphasis to the height of the dome. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

The marble dome that surmounts the Taj Mahal tomb is the most spectacular feature. The top is decorated with a lotus design, which also serves to accentuate its height. The shape of the dome is emphasised by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its corners, which replicate the onion shape of the main dome. Their columned bases open through the roof of the tomb and provide light to the interior. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward. Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns of the moon and the finial point combine to create a trident shape, reminiscent of traditional Hindu symbols of Shiva. Tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend from edges of base walls, and provide visual emphasis to the height of the dome. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

Taj Mahal. Each minaret is effectively divided into three equal parts by two working balconies that ring the tower. At the top of the tower is a final balcony surmounted by a chattri that mirrors the design of those on the tomb. The chattris all share the same decorative elements of a lotus design topped by a gilded finial. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

Taj Mahal. Each minaret is effectively divided into three equal parts by two working balconies that ring the tower. At the top of the tower is a final balcony surmounted by a chattri that mirrors the design of those on the tomb. The chattris all share the same decorative elements of a lotus design topped by a gilded finial. The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

Taj Mahal mosque or masjid.
At the far end of the complex, there are two grand red sandstone buildings that are open to the sides of the tomb. Their backs parallel the western and eastern walls, and the two buildings are precise mirror images of each other. The western building is a mosque and the other is the jawab (answer), whose primary purpose was architectural balance, although it may have been used as a guesthouse. Red sandstone walls bound the Taj Mahal complex on three sides with the river-facing side left open. Outside the walls are several additional mausoleums, including those of Shah Jahan's other wives, and a larger tomb for Mumtaz's favorite servant. These structures, composed primarily of red sandstone, are typical of the smaller Mughal tombs of the era. Agra, India.

AgraIslamicMughal EmperorMumtaz MahalNorth IndiaPersianShah JahanTaj MahalThe Taj MahalUPUttar Pradesharchitectural stylesbegamcomplexeternal lovefinest Mughal architecturegardengemsgeometric designsiconindianlove storymarblemausoleummotifsandstonestatestonestajtombwife

Sunset at Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal complex is bounded on three sides by crenellated red sandstone walls, with the river-facing side left open. Outside the walls are several additional mausoleums, including those of Shah Jahan's other wives, and a larger tomb for Mumtaz's favorite servant. These structures, composed primarily of red sandstone, are typical of the smaller Mughal tombs of the era.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India

The Taj Mahal looks grand on a moon lit night. The white marble shivers with the light. The decorative elements were created by applying paint, stucco, stone inlays, or carvings. As tripods are not allowed, the blue hour shots were taken hand held at the Taj Mahal, Agra, India right at sunset when the complex closes down to visitors.

The Taj MahaltajTaj mahalfinest Mughal architectureIslamicIndianPersianarchitectural stylesiconeternal lovelove storyMughal EmperorShah JahanbegamwifeMumtaz Mahalmausoleummarblegemsstonesgardentombmotifgeometric designssandstonecomplexAgraUttar PradeshstateUPNorth India