[ Edit ] Overview

The Taj Mahal (Agra, Uttar Pradesh) is the most famous Mughal monument constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Built from precious white marble with beautiful mosaic created with precious stones inlaid in the marble, the Taj Mahal has been described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. Almost every surface of the building is decorated. The mosaic designs are based on calligraphy, abstract geometric designs and floral motifs.

During the reign of Shah Jahan the monument was called ‘rauza’, meaning a tomb. Later it came to be called Taj Mahal, a derivative of the name Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal literally means Crown Palace. The tomb of Shah Jahan is also present alongside his wife at Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is now recognised as one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

Top Δ

Visitor Quick Facts

[ Edit ] Famous For

The Taj Mahal is famous for:

• Being the most beautiful monument of love ever constructed.
• Being one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Location

Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

Since much of what there is to see in Taj Mahal is outdoors, October through March are the best months to visit Agra when the weather is cooler.  Summers are hot!!

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Days of Operation

The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday. 

However, on Fridays, it is open for offering prayers in the mosque between 12 Noon to 2 P.M to Muslims.

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Hours of Operation

6:00 am - 7:30pm

Night Viewing:
The Taj Mahal is also open for night viewing on full moon day and the two days before and after it -  excluding Fridays and in the entire month of Ramzan. The night viewing of Taj Mahal is opened from 8-30 p.m. to 12-30 in eight batches of 50 persons for half an hour duration. The visitors of the night viewing of Taj Mahal have to report at Shilpagram complex half an hour in advance of the viewing time.  The Night Viewing tickets of Taj Mahal can be purchased from the Booking Counter located in the office of Archaeological Survey of India, Agra Circle, 22 The Mall, Agra, Uttar Pradesh in between 10-00 am to 6-00 p.m. one day in advance of the date of Night Viewing. 

Please refer to the following website for Night Viewing dates:

http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_agratajmahal_night.asp

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Entry Charges & Fees

Entrance Fees for the Taj Mahal are as follows:

• Indians:  Rs. 20
• Foreigners: Rs. 250
• Camera Fees:  Rs. ___
• Video Camera Fees: Rs. ___

Top Δ

Historical Quick Facts

[ Edit ] Type

Heritage/ Cultural/ Architectural

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Architecture

Mughal

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Construction Period

1631-1648

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Built By

Emperor Shah Jahan

Top Δ

[ Edit ] History

The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his most beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan met Mumtaz Mahal at the age of fourteen. The fell in love and 5 years later, in 1612, got married. It is said that the couple was inseperable in all their years of marriage. In 1631, Mumtaz Mahal died when giving birth to their 14th child. Shah Jahan it is said was inconsolable after her death and his court was in mourning for 2years. Shah Jahan then decided to build a memorable building in memory of Mumtaz Mahal.

The construction of the Taj Mahal took nearly 22 years and about 20,000 employees and craftsmen from different parts of the world were involved in it. It is believed that the master architect of the project was Ustad Isa, a renowed Islamic architect of those times. The construction of the tomb cost approximately 32 million rupees in those days.

It is said that the tomb used to be fitted with Persian carpets, gold lamps and candlesticks. It is also said that two grand silver doors at the entrance were looted in 1764.

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Myths or Facts

• A popular myth is that Shah Jahan planned to build a black marble mausoleum across the Yamuna river and planned on connecting the two mausoleums with a bridge. The black mausoleum was meant to be Shah Jahan’s tomb. Shah Jahan however was thrown out of power by his son Aurangazeb and the black marble mausoleum did not get made.

• Another belief is that Shah Jahan did not want anyone to copy the architecture of Taj Mahal and so he cut off the hands of the master craftsmen.

• When Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, it is said that she asked her husband, Shah Jahan, for four promises: 1) that he build the Taj; 2) that he should marry again; 3) that he be kind to their children; and 4) that he visit the tomb every year on her death anniversary. He is thought to have only kept the first and second promises. 

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Architecture And Structural Description

The Mughal style of architecture of the Taj Mahal combines the styles of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architecture. Shah Jahan chose the left bank of the Yamuna with sprawling gardens, as the site on which the tomb would be built.

The symmetrically designed Taj Mahal stands on a raised square platform with 4 minarets surrounding it. Each side is 56.6 m long. The central structure has four small domes surrounding the central dome topped by a brass ornament. The inside of main chamber is octagonal in shape with a high domed ceiling. The tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are in a basement. The tombs are exquisitely decorated with inlaid precious stones. The central chamber has finely cut marble screens which allow light into the building. The marble has semi precious stones inlaid into them in beautiful patterns.

The building has beautifully carved panels, calligraphy, superb inlay work, immaculately proportioned large floral tendrils cover the surface of the white marble.

The complex comprises of the main gateway or darwaza, a symmetrical garden, a mosque, a rest house and a mausoleum. The main entrance to the Taj Mahal is in the west but there are two more entrances to the south and east.

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Things To See

Darwaza
Darwaza is the main gateway to the Taj Mahal. Located in the west, the main entrance is made of red sandstone. It has a 3 storied gateway with an octagonal central chamber and a vaulted roof. The gateway has a high lofty central arch. The walls are inscribed with verses from the Koran.

Bageecha
The Bageecha or Garden is the symmetrically planned garden. The ornamental garden is structure according to the principle of ‘char bagh’ which is based on the concept of Islamic paradise gardens. Tjere are two marble canals with fountains, cypress trees, a raised pool in the centre of the garden dividing it into 4 squares. Each square has 16 flower beds each. Every aspect of the garden is laid out in such a manner that it is in perfect symmetry.  You can see a perfect reflection of the Taj in the waters.

Museum
To the west is a museum displaying the original architectural drawing of the Taj, the celadon plates which were used to detect if there was poison in the food served, and information on the precious stones used. The entry to the museum is free.

Mosque
On the west there is a mosque. The mosque made of red sand stone is used for prayers.
There is beautiful calligraphy on the walls with inscriptions from the Koran. There is an identical structure opposite the mosque but it is not used for prayers.

Rest House
Opposite the mosque on the eastern side is the rest house or ‘naqqar khana’ or ‘jawab’. As it doesn’t face Mecca this mosque is not used for prayer purposes. The real purpose of this structure is not known but it is believed that it was built just for the sake of symmetry.

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Nearby Attractions

Agra has couple of World Heritage Sites including:

• Agra Fort.
• Fatehpur Sikri.

Top Δ

[ Edit ] Other Information

Top Δ

Recent News

[ARCHIVES ]