India in stone: the great Taj Mahal! Taj Mahal: The history of the architectural pearl of Mahal India.

In the second third of the 17th century. representative of the Mughal dynasty (1526–1858) Shihab ad-din Shah Jihan I (1628–1657) built the magnificent Taj Mahal mausoleum near Agra. , erected at the behest of Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz, who died early, is considered the pinnacle of architectural structures of the Muslim type. The Taj Mahal was created in the Mughal style - a mixture of traditions of Indian, Persian and Islamic architecture. The complex includes five main elements: a gate, a garden, a mosque, a jawab and the mausoleum itself. Shah Jahan carefully selected and adjusted the design of the mausoleum, turning to the best architects of the East at that time. The main idea was developed by Ustad Mohammed Isa Effendi, a Byzantine Turk, a student of the largest Turkish architect Sinan, a Greek by birth. Masters from India, Central Asia, Persia, and Arabia participated in the development of the project. Shah Jahan himself chose the site for the unheard of mausoleum below Agra on the right bank of the Jamuna. Construction lasted from 1631 to 1647; About 20 thousand workers were constantly employed there.

The Taj Mahal mausoleum, together with the surrounding park, occupies a significant area of ​​17 hectares. The gardens and mausoleum are accessible from the south side of the garden, where two entrance portals lined with traditional chattris stand on the same line. After this, the visitor enters the territory of a clearly planned garden, which is divided into squares by four channels, at the intersection of which there is a swimming pool. The mausoleum building itself is located on the north side.

The tomb was erected on an artificial platform on the banks of the Jamna River. The platform is paved with white marble. The mausoleum, attributed to the Indian architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, is a compact white marble building with the traditional cut corners of Indian architecture, a large dome and four chattris on the roof. The building is entirely made of white marble, which perfectly reflects the sun's rays. According to legend, the Shah wanted a separate black mausoleum to be built for him on the opposite bank of the Dzhamna River. However, Shah Jihan was dethroned by his own son Aurangzeb.

On the eastern and western borders of the Taj Mahal complex, strictly along the transverse axis relative to the main building, there are two red sandstone buildings. Each building is topped with three white domes. And although they have a different purpose (on the right is “Jawab” - a shelter for eminent guests, and on the left is a mosque where memorial services were held), all the buildings logically fit into the memorial complex.

In the center of the platform there is a tomb with a square plan with beveled corners. On the inside of the wall there is a bypass corridor with octagonal chambers at each corner. In the center there is an 8-sided burial chamber, crowned with a low dome; Portals lead inside it, one on each side. The chamber contains the cenotaphs of the Taj Mahal and Shah Jahan, surrounded by an openwork marble enclosure (their surface is inlaid with semi-precious stones), while the original burials are in the crypt directly below the chamber . From the outside, the arched portal on each façade is flanked by two tiers of niches, and the entire structure is topped by an onion dome raised high above the shallow inner domed bowl of the burial chamber. Simple proportions determine the plan and the ratio of verticals: the width of the building is equal to its total height of 75 m, and the distance from the floor level to the parapet above the arched portals is half of the entire height.

Above the main room (according to the tradition in Indian architecture) two domes are raised - one inside the other. The outer dome is topped with a spire, and the inner (smaller) dome is made in order to maintain harmony with the interior space. This constructive solution appeared in the Timurid era, and in India it was first used during the construction of the mausoleum (1518) of the Delhi ruler Nizam Khan Sikandar II (1489–1517) from the Lodi dynasty.

The ornamentation of the internal surfaces of the Taj Mahal is striking in its elegance. Gems and multi-colored marble were used in decoration. Thus, the epigraphic decor is made of black marble, reproducing the suras of the Koran in suls handwriting. It is known that the Mughal emperors were passionate about flora: they planted flower beds and rose gardens, special plantations of ornamental plants. This love is fully present in the decoration of the interior of the mausoleum. A mosaic of multi-colored pieces of agate, carnelian, lapis lazuli, onyx, turquoise, amber, jasper and coral reproduces flower garlands and bouquets decorating the walls of the funeral hall. One gets the impression that the Taj Mahal was created not as a tomb, but as a monument to the emperor’s love for his incomparable wife Mumtaz Mahal (Mumtaz - “incomparable”, Arabic).

The mausoleum has numerous symbols hidden in its architecture and layout. For example, on the gate through which visitors of the Taj Mahal enter the park complex surrounding the mausoleum, a quote from the Koran is carved, addressed to the righteous and ending with the words “enter my paradise.” Considering that in the Mughal language of that time the words “paradise” and “garden” are written the same way, one can understand Shah Jahan’s plan - to build paradise and place his beloved within it.

Opposite the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan ordered the construction of the same mausoleum made of black marble - for himself. But as soon as the builders had time to deliver the first blocks of black marble, one of the eldest sons of the inconsolable Shah - Jahangir - overthrew his father from the throne. He asked only for one thing - that the Taj Mahal be visible from the place of his imprisonment.

Shah Jahan ended his days in a secluded tower two kilometers from the mausoleum he built, looking at it from a small window. When his vision weakened, a large emerald was cut into the wall opposite the window, in which the snow-white tomb of his beloved Mumiaz was reflected.

A well-known legend claims that the Taj Mahal is the tomb of the wife of the Mughal (Mughal - dynasty of rulers of India 1526-1858) Shah Jahan. It is believed that this architectural monument took 22 years to build (1631-1653), after which the Shah wanted to build a similar structure, but from black marble, for himself. Realizing that such construction would ultimately ruin the state, the king’s own son put an end to this idea by putting his father in prison. However, this is only one theory about the origin of the Taj Mahal. Beautiful, attractive for tourists. Romantic. Is it true?

Alternate history

There are those who challenge the official theory, pointing to the following facts:

Muslim rulers often established tombs in captured temples and palaces.

In the archives of the Maharaja of Jaipur at that time, there are two orders from Jahan to transfer the Taj to Jahan.

The name "Taj Mahal" does not appear in Mughal annals. The official theory refers to the name of the deceased, Mumtaz (Mumtaj) Mahal, but her name was actually Mumtaz-ul-Zamani.

The Mughal annals do not say anything about the mad love of Jahan and Mumtaz-ul-Zamani. This story has no historical basis.

A certain Albert Mandelslo, a European who visited Agra in 1638, 7 years after the death of King Jahan, made no mention of the traces of grandiose construction that undoubtedly should have remained. Another European, Peter Mundy, who was in Agra a year after Jahan's death, wrote about the Taj Mahal as a very ancient structure.

And finally, hydrocarbon analysis shows that the building is at least 300 years older than Jahan.

Professor P. N. Oak believes that the name "Taj Mahal" comes from the name of Sri Shiva - "Tejo Mahalaya", and the building itself is an ancient temple of Sri Shiva.

Many rooms of the Taj Mahal have been sealed since the time of Jahan.

It is also reported that Professor Oak's research was banned during the time of Indira Gandhi, whose name is still cursed by many Indians.

Taj Mahal- a mausoleum located in north-central India in Agra, on the banks of the Jamna River.

Built by order of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. Inside the mausoleum there are two tombs - the Shah and his wife. In fact, their burial place is underground.

Shah Jahan

Mughal ruler Shah Jahan(1592-1666, reigned 1627-1658) erected this monument as the tomb of his beloved wife Arjumand Banu, better known by her title Mumtaz Mahal or Taj Mahal(Crown of the Palace), who died in 1631.

The width of the entire river side is raised on a platform with high (41 m) minarets at the four corners. On the western side of the platform there is a mosque, on the eastern side there is a reception hall (house for visitors). In the center of the platform there is a tomb with a square plan with beveled corners. The designs for the tomb were prepared by the best architects of the Mughal Empire. The mausoleum is located in the center of a vast rectangular area (length 600 m, width 300 m).

The greatest work of architectural architecture, modern miracle light - Indian mausoleum Taj Mahal. Every visitor to India is sure to admire this wonderful building. The Taj Mahal leaves no one indifferent either with its splendor or its legend.

An artificial canal leads to the Taj Mahal, surrounded by amazing cypress trees. Next to the Mausoleum there are two mosques made of red sandstone. The majestic structure along with green lawns and bright flowers create the impression that you are in a fairy tale. The best time to view the beautiful palace is early in the morning. It seems that the Taj Mahal is floating in the air.

History of the construction of the Taj Mahal mausoleum

This amazing structure was built by order of Padishah Shah Jahan in memory of his beautiful wife, who died untimely during childbirth, in memory of their selfless love for each other. The Padishah wanted to build a palace made of black marble opposite the Taj Mahal. He dreamed of connecting the two palaces with a bridge. But his plans failed to come true. He died in captivity, admiring the beautiful palace and dreaming of meeting his wife in another world. After the death of the padishah, he was buried in the same Mausoleum.

The mausoleum took about 22 years to build. All elements of the Mausoleum are symmetrical, the proportions are maintained and are multiples of four. The height of the Mausoleum is 74 meters. Everything is measured down to the millimeter, and the possibility of destruction in the event of an earthquake or hurricane is taken into account.
White marble was used for the construction of the building. Depending on the time of day, the color of the marble changes. The Mausoleum is decorated with elegant carvings, lattices with precious stones, and suras from the Koran in Arabic are painted on the ceiling.

In the center of the Mausoleum there are false tombs, while the real ones are located under the floor.

Over the entire period, 20 thousand people participated in the construction. The name of the architect is not known, but researchers are convinced that the construction of the palace was the work of residents of Iran, India, and Central Asia.

Hidden symbols and signs

The mausoleum has numerous symbols hidden in its architecture and layout. For example, on the gate through which visitors of the Taj Mahal enter the park complex surrounding the mausoleum, a quote from the Koran is carved, addressed to the righteous and ending with the words “enter my paradise.”

Centuries pass, but the Taj Mahal only gets prettier and delights guests with its unfading beauty. The beauty of the structure and the beauty of ever-living love.

Excursions to the Taj Mahal

The best time to visit the mausoleum is from November to February; in other months it is too hot. The Taj Mahal is open to the public from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. weekdays, with the exception of Fridays, when prayers are held in the mosque. The cost of visiting is approximately $10. You can get to the Taj Mahal from Delhi by train, bus, or take a tour.

You can visit the Taj Mahal through the East, West or South Gates.

Rules for visiting the Taj Mahal:

• It is allowed to bring water in transparent bottles, video cameras, cameras, mobile phones and small women's handbags;
• When visiting the Taj Mahal, you must remove your shoes;
• Photography is prohibited inside the mausoleum;

Where is the Taj Mahal?

The city of India where the Taj Mahal is located is Agra, on the banks of the Jamna River.

The Taj Mahal is an outstanding architectural monument and one of the main attractions in India dating back to the Mughal period. The Taj was built as a mausoleum for Shah Jahan's beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. Shah Jahal himself was later also buried in the Taj Mahal. The word Taj Mahal is translated as “The Greatest Palace”: Taj in translation means crown, mahal means palace.

Taj Mahal - history of creation

The history of the creation of one of the main attractions of India began in 1630. The Taj Mahal was built on the banks of the Jamna River, south of the city of Agra. The Taj Mahal complex includes:

• minarets;
• mosque;
• jawab;
• Big gate.

20,000 artisans and craftsmen worked on the construction of the Taj. Construction lasted twelve years. The mausoleum-mosque combines Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. The height of the five-domed building is 74 meters; four minarets rise at the corners of the building. The minarets are tilted to the side so that when destroyed, the tomb of the Shah and his wife does not damage.

The mausoleum is surrounded by a beautiful garden with a fountain and a swimming pool, which reflects the entire building. The Taj Mahal Mausoleum, located in the city of Agra, is famous for its optical trick: if you walk with your back to the exit, the building appears huge compared to the surrounding trees. The center of the complex is the tomb. It is a symmetrical structure with an arch, erected on a square pedestal and topped with a large dome. The height of the main dome, built in the shape of an onion, is impressive - 35 meters. On the tops of the domes are traditional Persian figures.

What is the Taj Mahal made of?

The foundation consisted of wells filled with rubble stone. Materials were transported on a fifteen kilometer ramp using oxen and carts. Water was extracted from the river using a rope-bucket system. From a large reservoir, water rose into the distribution compartment, from where it was delivered to the construction site through three pipes. The construction cost was 32 million rupees.

The majestic finish deserves special attention: white polished translucent marble inlaid with gems such as turquoise, agate, and malachite. In total, twenty-eight types of semi-precious and precious stones. The marble from which the mausoleum is made was brought from quarries 300 kilometers from the city. During the day, the walls of the mosque look white, at night - silver, and at sunset - pink.

Craftsmen were invited to build the Taj Mahal not only from India, but also from Central Asia, the Middle East, and Persia. The designer of the main building is considered to be Ismail Afandi from the Ottoman Empire. There is a legend according to which a copy of the Taj should have been located on the other side of the Jumna River, but only made of black marble. The building was not completed. For a plot of 1.2 hectares, the soil was replaced and the site was raised 50 meters above the river level.

Taj Mahal - interesting facts

According to legend, after being overthrown by his son, Shah Jahan admired the Taj Mahal from the windows of his prison. An interesting fact is that the tomb of Humayun in Delhi is very similar to the Taj Mahal, built like the Taj Mahal as a sign great history love between spouses. Moreover, the tomb in Delhi was built earlier, and Shah Jahan used the experience of building the tomb of the Mughal emperor during its construction. There is also a smaller copy of the Taj Mahal, located in the city of Agra. This is the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula, built in 1628.

Since 1983, the Taj Mahal has been a World Heritage UNESCO. According to a survey conducted in 2007, the Taj Mahal was included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Currently, there is a problem of shallowing of the Jumna River, as a result of which the mausoleum is settling and cracks are forming on the walls. Also, due to air pollution, the walls of the Taj, famous for their whiteness, turn yellow. The building is cleaned with special clay.

This grandiose mausoleum is called a monument to immortal love, and for many centuries everyone has been concerned about it romantic story creation. Recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal has been protected by UNESCO since 1983. The most famous thing in India, which has no analogues in the whole world, characterizes the entire era of the reign of the emperor.

The sadness and tenderness expressed in the stone make all travelers stop in admiration before the majestic masterpiece of art, telling about amazing love.

History of creation

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in the city of Agra. It was erected by order of the grandson of the country's ruler Shah Jahan, who dreamed of fulfilling the will of his wife who died during childbirth.

They are all tested, including eternity. It is surprising that historical chronicles record the tender and romantic relationship between the ruler and his wife, whom the emperor affectionately called Taj Mahal, which translated means “the pride of the palace.” This is very rare for Muslims, because strong love most often manifests itself for God and their homeland, but not for a woman.

Ancient legends

A beautiful legend says that after the tragic death of his beloved, the emperor did not leave his chambers for a week, and when his subjects saw their master, they did not recognize him: he had aged several years and turned gray. Shah Jahan renounced the throne, indulging in intense grief for his wife who had left forever.

True, there is also a less romantic version, which says that the ruler was overthrown by his own son, explaining his behavior by the fact that his father’s grandiose projects were ruining the country. But this is no longer very important for posterity, because the value of a world-famous monument is not diminished by this.

Oath fulfilled

Shah Jahan remembered how the mother of his children once asked him to build a beautiful palace. The ruler, distraught with grief, vowed to build the most luxurious tomb in the world. In memory of his wife, large-scale construction of a majestic structure began.

Thus, thanks to official records made by subjects of the Muslim king, we became aware of official history creation. The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most expensive buildings in the world, on which huge amounts of money were spent.

The rest of his life spent in prison

There is another legend about the emperor’s desire to build a second similar structure, but he did not have time to do this. And all that was left for him after he was overthrown by his own son was for the rest of his life to look sadly from the small window of the dungeon at the stone work of art that became the tomb of his departed wife.

A masterpiece of world art

The construction of the Taj Mahal, the photo of which only slightly conveys the grandeur and scale of the work of world art, began in 1632. More than 20 thousand workers, gathered from all over the country, took part in the construction. Few people know about their further fate, but, according to legend, so that the craftsmen would not tell anyone the secrets of constructing the mausoleum, they were all executed after finishing the work.

Favorite piece of land on which they built luxurious palace, did not belong to the emperor, but he exchanged it with a subject to build a monument to his love. The builders filled deep wells with a special solution and stones to protect the structure from collapse due to the proximity of groundwater, and raised the foundation by 50 meters. Marble blocks were placed at the base for special reliability.

Long-term construction

The phased construction of the Taj Mahal in the city of Agra (India) took more than 12 years. Especially for the cladding of the mausoleum, the purest marble was brought on elephants from one province of the empire, and the construction of other structures from it was strictly prohibited.

To feed the workers, who tirelessly built the luxurious monument day and night, grain was brought to them, intended to be sent to the provinces, and a terrible famine began in the country, which led to an unstable financial situation.

Visual effects

It is interesting that the Taj Mahal, the photo of which evokes a feeling of admiration even in the most indifferent person to architecture, was designed taking into account optical illusions, which were very unusual for that time.

To get to the palace, you first need to go through the arch leading to the heritage of world culture. And here an interesting visual effect arises: as you approach it, the building seems to move away. The same thing happens when leaving the arch, when it seems that the Taj Mahal somehow becomes much closer than before.

Another optical illusion that misleads visitors: it seems to them that the minarets located next to the mausoleum were built in parallel. In fact, they deviate slightly to the sides, and such a design was justified by protecting the palace in case of earthquakes. The huge towers would not have damaged the mausoleum, but fell next to it. Surprising but seismic dangerous place avoided disasters.

Tombs under the mausoleum

There are lines in the Koran that say that the peace of a deceased person cannot be disturbed. Under the main dome of the mausoleum there is a tomb, which in fact is not one. Fearing that someone would dare disturb his beloved wife, the emperor ordered her to be buried in a secret hall located under a unique masterpiece. After the death of Shah Jahan, his remains found shelter next to his wife.

Jewelry box

The Indian Taj Mahal, combining several architectural styles, is amazingly beautiful from the inside. The walls of the luxurious halls are decorated using Italian technologies. Colorful patterns of gems make the mausoleum a real treasury storing valuables. Stones were delivered from various parts of the country, and even ambassadors came to Russia to purchase malachite, which was prized in the country.

Palace divided into two parts

Built in accordance with Islamic ideas about the afterlife, the famous Taj Mahal mausoleum is divided into two parts. The four courtyards of the caravanserai and the market streets refer to earthly existence, and the mausoleum itself and the Garden of Eden refer to the otherworldly. By the way, all income received from trade went to maintaining the palace.

It is believed that the arch in front of the mausoleum and the beautiful pond laid in the middle of the main path represent a person’s transition to another world.

Who is the author of the masterpiece?

Researchers cannot accurately name the architects of this amazing masterpiece. It is precisely established that foreigners did not take part in the design of the mausoleum. And some experts are sure that the ruler himself acted as the main author, because he was famous for his education and sense of style.

The architecture of the mausoleum expresses the basic principles of the era: strict lines and a symmetrical layout make the earthly building look like a heavenly palace.

Majestic complex

The complex itself consists of a tomb, mirrored four watchtowers- minarets, from the tops of which they rang, announcing the beginning of prayers. On the sides of the mausoleum there are two mosques made of compressed sand. And most of the territory of the art monument is occupied by an amazing park with a pond, which reflects a perfect example of art. At the end of the green corridor, visitors are greeted by the luxurious Taj Mahal.

Color solution

The color design of the pearl also attracts attention. The buildings related to earthly life are made of fiery red sandstone, and the snow-white mausoleums symbolize the belief in life after death.

It is interesting to watch the play of light when the sun's rays at dawn or sunset paint the walls in delicate colors.

Contemporary issues

Thousands of tourists, for whom the masterpiece is a symbol of India, visit the Taj Mahal. The country is proud of its national heritage, and local authorities are very concerned about the preservation of the landmark for posterity. Unfortunately, architectural monument with a huge history, it settles and becomes covered with cracks.

The former capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra (India), is a densely populated city with a poor environmental situation. Polluted air causes marble to turn yellow, and periodically, to improve the appearance of the building, it is rubbed with white clay. In addition, the cladding also suffers from pigeons settling under the dome.

All visitors are carefully screened before entering. It is prohibited to bring lighters, cigarettes, food, mobile phones and even chewing gum into the mausoleum. Therefore, it is not recommended to take these things with you.

On Fridays, tourists are prohibited from entering the Taj Mahal, as Muslims gather for prayers at the nearby mosque in Agra.

Symbol of immortality

Included in the list of new wonders of the world, the world masterpiece continues to excite minds with the special beauty of its architectural lines and luxury of decoration, and creative people and all lovers are concerned about the sad story of its creation.

The Taj Mahal is stunning at first sight, and every visitor touches eternity captured in marble. The ancient landmark, which has become a symbol of fidelity and immortality, will remain forever in the memory, and will keep the heart unforgettable experience from what he saw.

The Taj Mahal Mausoleum is located in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This most famous building in India and the symbol of the country is an amazing and also the most durable monument of Indian Muslim architecture from the Mughal era. Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore called the Taj Mahal "a tear on the cheek of eternity."

In 1983, the Taj Mahal was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition, the mausoleum is part of international list New Seven Wonders of the World. Every year this wonderful architectural ensemble visited by several million tourists.

Creation story - love story

The Taj Mahal, often called the “symbol of love,” was built in the 17th century on the banks of the Yamuna River by Emperor Shah Jahan, a descendant of Tamerlane, to celebrate and perpetuate the memory of his beloved wife, who died in childbirth.

Shah Jahan, who was the fifth Mughal Emperor, left behind many famous architectural landmarks. These are the Pearl Mosque in Agra, the capital Shahjahanabad (now old Delhi, including the Lal Qila or Red Fort in Delhi with the beautiful halls of the Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas halls, as well as the Great Mosque of Jama Masjid) and the famous golden throne of the Mughals — The Peacock Throne, rightfully recognized as the most luxurious throne in the whole world.

However, the splendor of the Taj Mahal Palace remained unsurpassed, and it was this building that forever immortalized the names of the emperor and his beloved.

Shah Jahan, who was called the “Emperor of the Universe” after a series of successful military campaigns that expanded the borders of the Mughal Empire, had several wives. His third wife, a 19-year-old beauty, was given the name Mumtaz Mahal by his father-in-law during the wedding ceremony, which means “Pearl of the Palace.”

The ruler fell in love with Mumtaz very much and she accompanied him on all military campaigns. The emperor's relations with the rest of his wives were purely formal, but with Mumtaz he was united by deep, sincere affection. Over 19 years of marriage, the beloved gave the ruler 14 children. However, the last birth that took place during the campaign became fatal for the woman.

It is said that Shah Jahan promised his dying wife that he would build a beautiful mausoleum for her. However, he did not immediately begin to implement his plan. The first year after the death of his beloved, the emperor grieved and spent all his time in solitude.

When the inconsolable widower ended his seclusion, his subjects did not recognize him - the ruler grew old, gray and hunched over. The palace chroniclers testified that Shah Jahan stopped listening to music and abandoned jewelry and elegant clothes.

Automobile

The city of Agra is located in the so-called Golden Tourist Triangle; this region is distinguished by an extensive network highways. Agra connects to Delhi and Varanasi highway NH-2, with Jaipur - NH-11, and with Gwalior - NH-3.

Distances from Agra to other cities:

• Bharatpur - 57 km;
• Delhi - 204 km;
• Gwalior - 119 km;
• Jaipur - 232 km;
• Kanpur - 296 km;
• Khajuraho - 400 km;
• Lucknow - 369 km;
• Mathura - 56 km;
• Varanasi - 605 km.

Parking

The closest parking to the Taj Mahal is at the Shilpgram Cultural and Art Complex.

From Agra to the Taj Mahal

You can get around Agra by Taxi(Uber, Ola), excursion mini-bus “tempo”, auto or pedicabs. You can order a prepaid taxi from the main Agra Cantonment station.

Vehicles with internal combustion engines are prohibited within 500 m from the Taj Mahal, so as not to spoil the whiteness of the palace walls. Therefore, you can drive up to the mausoleum by electric car or rickshaw, but the last 200 meters must be covered only on foot.

Taj Mahal: Google Panorama

Taj Mahal: Google panorama inside the building

Video about the Taj Mahal / National Geographic