Taj Mahal Architecture 
The
city of Agra is world famous for the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan
in memory of his beloved wife. However, it is also famous for the Agra Fort, which
is a veritable treasure trove of the Mughal architectural tradition.
The various buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent the assimilation
of different cultures, which was the mark of the Mughal period.
MUGHAL
STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE The structure of Taj Mahal adheres to the Islamic
style (Mughal style) of architecture, which flourished in India during the medieval
period. The Islamic style of architecture is also referred to as the Indo-Islamic
style of architecture.
This magnificent monument is set around a Charbagh
or ‘four garden’ plan, which is split by watercourses - a reflection
of the Persian style. The Taj Mahal itself is not set within the Charbagh but
is located towards the far end of the enclosure near the bank of river Yamuna.
Taj Mahal is built on a high plinth, which has four tapering minarets
at each corner. At the center of this plinth is an octagonal structure comprising
of a central hall, with four smaller halls grouped around it.
A central
bulbous dome stands atop the roof of the Taj that is surrounded by four chhatris
(domed canopy, supported by pillars, mainly seen in Hindu or local monuments and
sometimes in Islamic buildings).
The Taj Mahal is a two-storied structure,
each having arched recesses with a highly decorated iwan in the middle. The tombs
of Mumtaz Mahal and Shahjahan are actually located in the basement, while their
replicas are placed directly above in the upper hall.
The
Taj Mahal is entirely made of white marble and its pure white walls are decorated
with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. It is said that different types
of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done
on Taj Mahal.
In spite of its massive proportions, Taj Mahal looks weightless
and airy. Each section of this unique monument blends harmoniously with each other
to create a perfect unit. The Taj Mahal and the gardens in front of it can be
approached through an arched gateway.
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MORE ABOUT TAJ MAHAL ARCHITECTURE
··» Taj
Mahal Agra —› Taj Mahal Location
—› Taj
Mahal Story —› History
of Taj Mahal —› Taj
Mahal Architecture —›
Garden of Taj Mahal —›
Mumtaz Mahal —›
Building of Taj Mahal —›
Actual Tomb of Taj Mahal —›
Excursions of Taj Mahal —›
How to Reach Taj Mahal —›
Mosque of Taj Mahal —›
Inside The Taj Mahal —›
Pictures of Taj Mahal
