In 1631, in the city of Burhanpur, Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, gave birth to their 14th child. Despite the successful birth of a healthy girl, Mumtaz Mahal tragically did not survive. Overwhelmed with grief, Shah Jahan decided to build a tomb worthy of his queen. This tomb would be an earthly replica of Paradise, embodying their perfect love and projecting the power of the Mughal Empire for all time. Roughly seven months later, the construction of the Taj Mahal began.
Royal architects worked tirelessly to bring Shah Jahan’s vision to life in the bustling imperial city of Agra. The chosen site was on the Yamuna riverfront, already adorned with exquisite residences, gardens, and mausoleums. However, the Taj Mahal was destined to be the most magnificent structure of all. The plans included not only Mumtaz’s mausoleum but also a garden, mosque, bazaar, and several caravanserais to house visiting merchants and diplomats. This complex would seamlessly blend Persian, Islamic, Indian, and European styles, establishing the Taj Mahal as the pinnacle of Mughal architectural achievement.
The entire compound was meticulously planned out on a geometric grid, incorporating bilateral symmetry to establish an atmosphere of balance and harmony. The architects divided the complex into two spheres, representing the spiritual and earthly domains. Most of the structures were made of brick and red sandstone, with white marble accents, a common motif in Mughal architecture. The central mausoleum, however, took more inspiration from the Islamic tradition. It was framed by four minarets and covered entirely in white marble, quarried from over 400 kilometers away. The main dome towered above the skyline, and those within the cavernous chamber experienced an otherworldly echo lasting almost 30 seconds.
Perfecting the Italian stone-working technique, pietra dura, craftsmen used all manner of semi-precious stones to create intricate floral designs representing the eternal gardens of Paradise. Calligraphers covered the walls with Quranic inscriptions. The mausoleum’s rooms were designed to be octagonal, reflecting the Islamic depiction of Paradise having eight gates. The garden in front of the mausoleum was split into four parts in the Persian style, but its flora reflected the Mughals’ nomadic Central Asian heritage. Flowers and trees were carefully selected to add color, sweet scents, and fresh fruit to be sold in the bazaar. Masons built intersecting walkways, pools, and channels of water to weave through the lush greenery.
Building this intricate complex took 12 years and employed thousands of skilled craftsmen and artisans, from masons and bricklayers to masters of pietra dura and calligraphy. After the Taj was completed in 1643, Shah Jahan retained some of these craftsmen for routine repairs and hired Quran reciters, caretakers, and other staff to maintain the complex. He paid these workers by establishing a vast endowment for the Taj—a system that remained in place until the early 19th century. Since its completion, Shah Jahan’s grand memorial has drawn travelers from around the world. And every time a visitor is awed by the mausoleum, the emperor’s goal is achieved anew.
Unfortunately, after 15 years of presiding over Mumtaz’s memorial, Shah Jahan fell ill and a war of succession broke out between his sons. While Shah Jahan eventually recovered, his son, Aurangzeb, had already emerged as the new emperor. For the last eight years of his life, Shah Jahan lived under house arrest in Agra’s Fort, where he could see the Taj glimmering in the distance. When he died in 1666, he was buried next to Mumtaz, his grave breaking the complex’s symmetry, so that his wife could remain at the Taj’s center for all eternity.
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Use clay, cardboard, or any other craft materials to build a model of the Taj Mahal. Pay special attention to its symmetry, the four minarets, and the central dome. This activity will help you understand the architectural design and symbolism of the Taj Mahal.
Imagine you are Shah Jahan. Write a diary entry describing your feelings after Mumtaz Mahal’s death and your vision for the Taj Mahal. This will help you connect emotionally with the historical figures and understand their motivations.
Draw a garden layout inspired by the Persian style described in the article. Include intersecting walkways, pools, channels of water, and various plants. This will help you appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship involved in the Taj Mahal’s garden.
Research the Italian stone-working technique called pietra dura. Create a presentation or poster showing examples of this technique and how it was used in the Taj Mahal. This will deepen your understanding of the intricate craftsmanship involved.
Pair up with a classmate and role-play an interview between a journalist and one of the craftsmen who worked on the Taj Mahal. Prepare questions and answers that explore the challenges and achievements of building the monument. This will help you engage with the historical context and the people behind the construction.
Birth – The process of being born or coming into existence. – The birth of a baby is a joyous occasion for the family.
Taj Mahal – An ivory-white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. – The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world.
Mughal Emperor – A title used for the sovereigns of the Mughal Empire in South Asia. – Emperor Akbar was one of the most famous Mughal Emperors.
Tomb – A large, vaulted burial place or monument, usually above ground. – The tomb of the pharaoh was filled with treasures for the afterlife.
Paradise – An ideal or idyllic place or state. – The beach resort felt like a paradise with its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches.
Mughal Empire – An empire in the Indian subcontinent that existed from the early 16th century to the mid-19th century, ruled by a dynasty of Mughal Emperors. – The Mughal Empire was known for its rich cultural heritage and architectural achievements.
Architecture – The art and science of designing and constructing buildings. – The modern architecture of the skyscraper was impressive.
Design – The process of creating a plan or specification for the construction of an object or system. – The fashion designer sketched out her design for the new collection.
Symbolism – The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. – The dove is often used as a symbol of peace.
Craftsmanship – The skill and quality of workmanship carried out by a craftsman. – The intricate details of the handmade wooden furniture showcased the craftsman’s exceptional craftsmanship.
