Hidden Secrets of Taj Mahal
Hidden Secrets of Taj Mahal Agra Uttar Pradesh, India
Introduction
A marvel of Mughal construction called the Taj Mahal can be found in Agra, India. This gleaming monument, which occupies 42 acres, is the pinnacle of it; nonetheless, it still has a tragic tale to tell. This 400-year-old structure was once the biggest and most impressive structure in its era. It is now ranked as the eighth wonder of the world. 20,000 workers toiled for 22 years straight, shedding blood and sweat to erect this majestic building.
If we calculate the present value of this marble-covered mausoleum, it is approximately $1 billion, or more than Rs 7.5 crore. Even the best engineers of today praise the Mughal architects for the outstanding evidence of their abilities that they left behind. This building was constructed so that it appears to be quite large when viewed from behind the main gate. Yet when one approaches the main gate, the size naturally shrinks.
The Mughal architects were accustomed to using such astounding methods. The four pillars at each of the four corners are not standing straight up, but rather are sloping slightly outward. Because if they were kept vertically straight, they would appear to be bending inward from a distance, as can be seen in this photograph of a mosque. Another justification existed for tilting these pillars outward.
that they will collapse outwards in the event of a big earthquake, protecting the monument. But why did its designers feel the need to defend it so fiercely? What are the Taj Mahal’s hidden secrets from 400 years ago? And how were this wonderful mausoleum and this 40-meter-high dome constructed at that time, when there was no concrete nor steel?
Shah Jahan
Hidden Secrets of Taj Mahal
All of this began in 1607 when the Mughal Empire controlled the entire region. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor’s youngest son, turned 15 on that day. A grand party was held at the Agra Fort to commemorate the event. Because Shah Jahan was the Emperor’s favorite kid, he used to receive a birthday gift of gold and diamonds equivalent to his weight because he was the Emperor’s favorite child. But on this occasion, something even more exceptional was about to occur.
The marriage of Shah Jahan and the daughter of one of the Emperor’s lawyers was arranged. Mumtaz Mahal was her given name. Mumtaz and Shah Jahan fell in love with one another on their first date. At the time, no one realized how ethically tainted this love would eventually become. The prince won many wars over the following ten years. The monarch gave him the name Shah Jahan for this reason.
It denotes the world’s emperor. Shah Jahan had a total of six wives, all of whom resided in the Agra fort’s harem. Shah Jahan adored Mumtaz the most out of the six. He spent the majority of his time with Mumtaz Mahal for this reason. Time was passing quickly, and the Mughal emperor passed away four years later, in 1621.
Emperor
Seven years later, in 1628, Shah Jahan, who was quite well-known in the Mughal Empire and the Emperor’s favorite son, took the throne. With their new monarch, the Mughal Empire as a whole was very content. The Mughal Empire was at its height during this period. The Mughal Empire encompassed much of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. While Mumtaz Mahal used to make suggestions to Shah Jahan behind his back, the latter used to make all the decisions.
Nobody, however, had any idea that this happy moment would soon give way to tragedy. After taking over the throne, the Mughal Empire was plunged into war just a year later.
A Mumtaz Mahal’s Passing
The fight raged on for the subsequent two years, and Shah Jahan also prevailed in this instance. But before he could rejoice in his success, he received some very upsetting news. Mumtaz Mahal was unwell while giving birth to their 14th child, and on June 17, 1631, she passed away. The Mughal Empire as a whole fell into grief.
This information struck Shah Jahan like an arrow, shattering his entire existence. Mumtaj Mahal, Shah Jahan’s first love and most cherished spouse had passed away. It’s been said that Shah Jahan’s darkness was brought on by this tragedy. He went without food for the next eight days, and he abstained from using perfume and listening to music for the following two years.
Construction of the Taj Mahal
Hidden Secrets of Taj Mahal
Mumtaz Mahal had one last request before passing away. She requested that her interment be constructed inside the most exquisite tomb ever. Shah Jahan decided to devote his entire life and his wealth to this endeavor and to fulfill Mumtaz Mahal final’s request. Construction on the Taj Mahal started six months after Mumtaz Mahal’s passing.
From all around the empire, about 20,000 laborers, sculptors, and artisans were brought in. Shah Jahan’s directive caused armies of troops to be brought to Agra. It was extremely challenging to build the most beautiful edifice in the world here since Mumtaz Mahal Grave was located on the Yamuna River bank. The soft terrain next to the river poses a risk to the Taj Mahal’s foundation if excavation takes place there.
Engineers from the Mughals began drilling numerous wells to address this issue. Workers dug the well till they came to dry ground. Then these wells were filled with rocks and debris, and huge stone columns were built on top of it. An army of elephants was used in addition to the employees to execute this project.
The Mughal engineers’ ruse proved successful, and a sturdy foundation was now ready to be built upon the soft ground. It was time to design a building that no one had ever seen after laying the foundation. a structure that would shatter all previous records. For the Taj Mahal’s design, Shah Jahan looked at the tombs of his ancestors.
His father’s grave served as the inspiration for the pillars, and his grandfather’s tomb provided the structural support. And the Dome concept from the grave of his uncle. And when all of these factors came together, a lovely design emerged. Millions of bricks were baked there to create the building framework. This required a great deal of money and was by no means simple.
The royal treasure was disappearing day by day. Shah Jahan was unconcerned about anything; all he wanted was to finish this project. It is reported that during the Taj Mahal’s building, there were so many people around that local food resources became scarce as a result. Shah Jahan had transported food supplies from the surrounding districts to Agra to take care of the laborers.
The building’s primary structure had been finished after years of laborious construction; it was now time to add marble decorations. Agra is 400 miles away in Rajasthan where this stone was transported. Because this region’s Makrana marble is still regarded as one of the finest in the world.
For the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan had set aside the whole stock of Makrana marble. This signifies that nobody was permitted to buy this stone until the Taj Mahal’s requirements were met. With the aid of countless elephants, tonnes of marble was transported from Rajasthan to Agra. By simply looking at the Taj Mahal’s dome, one may appreciate its enormous scale. Currently, a steel structure can be used to construct this type of doom, but 400 years ago, only stones were available to construct a dome 40 meters high.
Modern engineers continue to commend the Mughal engineers’ use of stress calculations in the construction of this dome. With the addition of Pietra Dura decorations, the Taj Mahal’s finishing touches were completed.
Pietra Dura refers to the process of cutting and fitting priceless stones into the marble. Marble is expertly molded and cut to match the contour of the expensive stone. Then it is inserted inside the stone with the aid of glue.
Not just any adhesive was utilized within the Taj Mahal. After extensive investigation and testing in the lab, it was discovered that Sheera, lemon juice, and marble powder were combined to create the adhesive. The Taj Mahal’s renovations make use of the same glue.
The Taj Mahal’s four daily color changes are one of its unique features. It casts a dark shade before sunrise. It takes on a pale golden and pink hue after daybreak. And it appears stunningly white in the late afternoon.
Like a white pearl glistening in the sky’s blue hue. Additionally, the skyscraper appears golden in the sunset. In 1654, the Taj Mahal’s construction was finished after 22 years of labor. Shah Jahan succeeded in creating the most exquisite tomb for his cherished bride.
Shah Jahan preserved his wife’s name attached to the name of this wonderful structure. The building was given the name Taj Mahalafter Mumtaz Mahal. On the anniversary of Mumtaz Mahal’s passing, Shah Jahan used to travel by Yamuna River to the Taj Mahal.
Only members of the Royal family were allowed to enter the Taj Mahal through this entrance. The best sculpting work was done to please the royals’ eyes on the wall of the entry building. Despite the project’s successful conclusion.
End
Hidden Secrets of Taj Mahal
The Mughal Empire had been on the verge of collapse because of it. His son overthrew the crown and took control of the Mughal Empire four years later, in 1658. The Shah Jahan was imprisoned and held captive inside the fort in Agra.
Shah Jahan was provided with one amenity so he could look out the window and see the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan passed away at the age of 74 after spending eight years in prison. He was buried within the Taj Mahal.
Explain the architectural of the Taj Mahal and why it is so unique. What can we learn from it in 2023?
Hidden Secrets of Taj Mahal
In 2023, we can learn from the Taj Mahal as a masterpiece of architecture, art, and cultural heritage. The building represents the ability of humanity to create beauty and grandeur, and it is a testament to the power of love and devotion. The Taj Mahal also provides insight into the history and cultural values of India and the Mughal Empire, and it is an example of how architecture can reflect and shape cultural identity.
Location
The Taj Mahal Exists in Agra Uttar Pradesh, India
When was it built?
Construction started: 1632
Completed: 1653
What does it look like?
The Taj Mahal looks like a huge luxurious palace.
What is it made of?
It is made up of marble.
Built by
Shah Jahan (Mughal Emperor)
Designed by:
Ustad Ahmad Lahouri (Chief Architect)
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