The Taj Mahal: A Timeless Tribute To Love
The love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal is one of the most famous and romantic stories in history. According to historical accounts, Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal emperor of India and he ruled from 1628 to 1658. He met Mumtaz Mahal, whose name means "Jewel of the Palace," when she was 14 years old and he was 15. They fell in love and got married in 1612.
Mumtaz Mahal was not only Shah Jahan's wife but also his confidante and companion; she accompanied him on military campaigns and was a constant presence at his court. They had 14 children together and their love for each other was said to be strong and unbreakable.
Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631, while giving birth to their 14th child. According to historical accounts, Shah Jahan was so grief-stricken by her death that he went into seclusion for a year and did not appear in public. He then ordered the construction of the Taj Mahal as a tribute to her memory. It is said that he was so devoted to her that he wanted to create a monument that would be remembered for centuries to come, as a symbol of their love.
The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and took 22 years to complete, with the help of more than 20,000 workers, artisans, and craftsmen. Shah Jahan is said to have personally supervised the construction of the building and ensured that every detail was perfect. The building was made of white marble, which was brought from a quarry over 200 miles away. The marble was then inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones such as jade, crystal, and lapis lazuli to create intricate patterns and designs. The central dome of the Taj Mahal is covered in gold leaf, which shimmers in the sunlight.
The Taj Mahal is considered to be a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, and it combines elements of Persian, Indian, and Islamic styles. The main chamber of the mausoleum houses the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, and it is surrounded by four smaller domes. The Taj Mahal also includes a mosque, a guest house, and formal gardens.
After the completion of the Taj Mahal, it is said that Shah Jahan was tragically imprisoned by his own son, Aurangzeb, and he spent the last years of his life in captivity, gazing at the Taj Mahal from a distance. Upon his death, he was buried next to Mumtaz Mahal in the mausoleum.
As one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year. One of the greatest examples of Mughal architecture and the Mughal dynasty’s artistry and technical skill, the Taj Mahal is an inspiration for architects and artists around the world. It continues to be one of the greatest symbols of love and a timeless tribute to the memory of a beautiful love story between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.