Magnificent Taj Mahal

It was more than 15years back, when I visited Taj Mahal last. The memory of the Taj complex was not too clear, but for the magnificent Marble structure, which stays in every Indian's mind. The first look at the huge white wonder, leaves a person spellbound. My daughter had been waiting for our visit to Taj, since our trip started. The burning heat had tired her, but her enthu to visit the Taj, kept up her spirit. And then we get the first glimpse of the Taj.

Taj Mahal- The first view

Of the imperial rulers, Taj Mahal was built during the rule of Shah Jahan, in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. A Persian by birth Arjumand Bano Begum(Mumtaz Mahal) was a beautiful and mentally alert lady. She was the daughter of Noor Jahan(Jahangir wife)'s brother Yamin-U-Daulla Asaf Khan. Her father arranged for her education in a royal manner and she developed great qualities of royal family. She attracted Prince Khurram(Shah Jahan), both fell in love and got married to each other. She was the chief advisor to the Emperor and had major say in the administration. She also used to accompany the emperor during the wars. At the war against Khanjahan Lodhi at Burhanpur, Mumtaz fall ill during the birth of her 14^th child Gauhar Ara Beguam. Mumtaz express her last wish to Shah Jahan, to get a beautiful and uncomparable monument to be built over her grave. Transferring the care of Shah Jahan to her elder daughter Jahan Ara, Mumtaz breath last on 7^th June, 1631. The remains of Mumtaz Mahal were burried in a garden opposite to Burhanpur on other side of river Tapti. On 29^th December 1631, the body reached Agra, and was again buried temporarily in the Garben on the bank of river Jamuna. The construction of Taj started after many designs were put before the emporer. The main Mausoleum said had been completed by 1643AD, while the whole Taj complex took 22 long years for completion.

We were dropped at the Western gate of Taj, a few mins walk leads you to the ticket counter to the left. Along with ticket we purchased shoe covers, as its not allowed to enter the Mausoleum with shoes. Just near the ticket counter is Fatehpuri Maszid, which is said to be constructed in the memory of Fatehpuri Begum another wife of Shah Jahan.

As we enter through the Western Gate, there is a tomb of Situ-nu-Nisa Khanam on the left side. She is said to be the personal and favourite maid of Mumtaz Mahal.

Jilan Khana

Passing through the big courtyard called Jilan Khana or the Forecourt, you reach the gate way of red stone, which is a beautiful monument in itself. The gate way is an octagonal entrance hall surrounded by small rooms on both sides. The red stone structure has inlayed white marble, black marble and precious stones.

Main Gate

From this gate a few steps down take us to the Taj Garden. And you get the first glimpse of Taj Mahal.

 

Fountains and running channels of water with the reflection of Taj Mahal and rowed trees on either side of the channel, enhances the beauty of the complex. Its said, when constructed, water was drawn up from the river Jamuna by system of buckets, dipping into river and conveying water up by a chain way, drawn by bullocks or camel to run through the fountain and channels.

Taj Garden

As you reach the Mausoleum, high value ticket visitors are allowed from left stairs, while Indians through stairs.

The Mausoleum has the grave of Empress Mumtaz Mahal, built by Shah Jahan and of Emperor Shah Jahna, which was built by his son Aurangzeb. Taj is a mixture of Hindu and Persian Arts. Mughal Emperors were influenced by Hinduism, Jahangir's mother Jodha Bai and Shah Jahan's mother was a Hindu from Marwar. While their mothers worshipped hindu gods representing five basic elements of the Universe, its said the Taj has the influence of Shilpa Shastra, so called Panch Prasad or five Shrines. Taj Mahal with four corner minarets and the main building in the middle, is said to be purely Indian and is of 'Panch Prasad' type. The main building material, white marble was brought from Makrana of Rajasthan, red stone from Dholpur and fatehpur Sikri and precious stones and metals from around the world.

 

 

Both the interior and exterior of the Mausoleum has great architectural beauty. While photography is not allowed inside, you can capture the beauty on the outer walls. The cool river breeze from the river Jamuna and the treat of architectural beauty makes you sit and enjoy the magnificent Taj for hours.

River Jamuna

Mosque to the right of Mausoleum

With no mood to leave the place, we got out through the South Gate also called Sirhi Darwaza. Named after Shah Jahan's other wife Sirhindi Begum. Next to the Sirhi Darwaza is the tomb of Sirhindi Begum.

A well at the South Gate with Sirhindi Begum's tomb at the back

The South Gate is just for pedestrians and have souvenir shops on either side. You can shop miniature Taj Mahal and marble articles as souvenirs from here.

Travel Info:

Entry Fee:

Indian Tourist: Rs. 20/-

SAARC and BIMSTEC citizens: Rs. 520/-

Citizens of rest all countries: Rs. 750/-

Entry free for children below 15 years

Taj Mahal is open from sunrise to sunset, except for South Gate ticket counter, which is open from 8AM to 5PM.

Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

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