Inspired by Persian (Iranian) architecture the Taj Mahal in Agra is a classic example of Indo-Islamic architecture. An ultimate statement in beauty and everlasting love, the Taj Mahal has been crafted in pure marble that was specially brought from Makrana in Rajasthan. Ustad Ahmad Lahori, an Indian architect of Persian descent is believed to be the man who shaped Taj and made it a reality. Statistically speaking a combined workforce of 20,000 people toiled day and night to give shape to the most beautiful monument of love, which took 22 years to complete. The Taj Mahal's architecture was designed in special manner as to withstand all natural calamites. Now, more than three centuries later, Taj Mahal still stands tall with all its former grace and beauty intact.
The Taj Mahal's architecture consists of a complex of structures. These structures include the Darwaza or main gateway, the Bageecha or garden, the Masjid or mosque, the Naqqar Khaana or guesthouse and the Rauza or mausoleum. An elegant gateway inscribed with Islamic calligraphy and floral decorations ushers you into the complex and opens before you a wide range of architectural treasures. A beautiful path with green lawns on either side leads you to the Taj Mahal, which is situated on a raised red sand stone platform that is over 6 meters high. Workers were made to dig till they reached the water level and then the entire space was carefully filled with lime mortar and stone to create the bed that forms the foundation.
The main building consists of a curving dome, which is over 60 meters long on each side. The platform covers an area of almost 94 sq meters. A tall minaret of over 40 meters each adorns each corner of the platform. Delicately executed inlay work known as Pietra Dura adorns the interiors of the Taj Mahal. Many precious and semi precious stones like jasper, jade, turquoise, lapis lazuli and sapphire, have been skillfully weaved into these elaborate decorative devices.
Everything about the Taj Mahal exudes a magical charm, which is very difficult to resist. No wonder that the Taj compelled the famous poet Sir Edwin Arnold to comment that it is " not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones."
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