Taj Mahal - proof of love made of marble
The Taj Mahal stands in Agra the ancient capital of the Mughal rulers (from Central Asia coming turkish mongolian muslim dynasty which controlled India from 1500 - 1700 AD). The Taj Mahal is often wrongly called the eighth world wonder but it is in fact an example of old architecture art!In reality the building is a grave (a so called mausoleum) where the women Mumtaz Mahal was buried. She was the wife of the ruler Shah Jahan who let build the mausoleum in honour of his heavenly beloved wife. The construction lasted for 22 years and ended in the year 1648 AD.
Together with two other swiss I visited the Taj Mahal. We got up very early in the morning to see the sun rising over the building -and I think it was worth to get up so early or what do you think?
After the sun was up we inspected the Taj Mahal close-by. After passing the very big entrance gate a breathtaking view is arising to the visitor!
Puuuh, it's amazing this thing! Here a little bit more close...
The Taj Mahal stands on a 100 x 100 metres big fundament. The main dome has a diameter of about 55 metres and is around 70 metres high. On each corner of the platform stands a tower with a height of 55 metres. Remarkable is that the whole construction is totally symmetric. Interesting is also that the colors of the surface shine optically different depending on the weather respectively the solar radiation. I can tell you, if you stand in front of the Taj Mahal it almost sweeps you off your feet! This thing is a real pomp and moves you towards it magically. Here the architects created really a unique beautiful work! Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Taj Mahal is not only due to is architecture so famous but also because the accurate marble work and the different stone inlets.
Before the construction of the Taj Mahal was finished the ruler Shah Jahan was inprisoned by his own son and banished from the throne. Reason: he planned to build a second mausoleum for himself with exactly the same architecture. His son wanted to prevent this plans because the construction of the Taj Mahal had needed not only a lot of time and working hours but also a lot of money. But the almost finished Taj Mahal was completed anyway (fortunately)
So consequently they built just one Taj Mahal and when Shah Jahan died his coffin was put beside the one of his wife.
Well, ONE building like this is enough for the mankind...we don't always have to exaggerate, isn't it?
Here the view from the platform of the Taj Mahal to the river Yamuna during the sunset...
I really can recommend the visit of the Taj Mahal to everybody...such a work you will not see everyday!!!!
By the way, did you know that the Taj Mahal is going to be one of the New Seven World Wonders? At the moment there's a internet election going on in which they nominate the New Seven World Wonders!
The todays known Seven World Wonders all are from the antique. But since then many fantastic constructions were built. So this voting should take into account all the newer works.
In this election everybody can vote! On the homepage 17 different constructions are shown which are all UNESCO world heritages. On the following homepage you'll see more:
Have fun by the election!
Best regards from Agra!
Andy
06.04.04, Agra, India