The Magnificent Taj Mahal

Pictures don’t do justice to the Taj. It is bigger, better and more beautiful than the shots I’ve seen. We had plenty of time to walk around and admire this white marble tomb. There were some restrictions –no large bags or video cameras. We were provided with cover ups for our shoes when we enter the tomb and a bottle of water:

We went early in the morning when the crowds were small and it was not too hot.

The Taj is located in the city of Agar. This area of India was captured by the Mughal emperor, Babur, in 1526. The Mughals ruled Agar and many other states in India until 1857 when they were routed by the British from the throne.

The fifth emperor, Shah Jahan, built the Taj Mahal for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (The Lady of the Taj). She died after giving birth to their 14th child in 17 years. The Taj was built to house her grave and to be a symbol of their worldly inseparable love. The Emperor was buried beside this favorite wife when he died in 1666. Building was started in 1631 and completed in 1648 with 20,000 labourers required for this “dream in marble”. The white marble is very hard and make the design carvings very difficult. The Taj is a perfect fusion of Indian and Persian architecture. When you get close to the Taj you can appreciate the intricate designs and colorful inlaid stonework:

The outer court yard has three large sandstone gates. There is one internal gate directly across from the Taj and reflection pools/fountains. This entrance “frames” the Taj for a great view when you walk into the inner courtyard:

There are a number of other sites in Agar and a lovely Mughal palace but the Taj Mahal out shines everything! My new group of traveling friends: