1. History of Taj Mahal
| 1. History of Taj Mahal | 4. Cultural Heritage |
| 2. Architectural Marvel | 5. Tourist Experience |
| 3. Symbol of Love | 6. Economic Impact |
Emperor Shah Jahan, quite a popular name which pops an image of Taj Mahal History in everyone’s mind. Shah Jahan was a Mughal emperor, who reigned Southern Asia from 1627 to 1658. The son of Emperor Jahangir, Shah Jahan was born as Prince Shihab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram in the Lahore, Pakistan of 1592. With his bravery and an ultimate fighting spirit, he was love and honored with many titles. Shah Jahan also had a keen eye and expertise in the design of buildings and proved his skills by re-designing buildings within the Agra Fort.
Of the many titles won by Shah Jahan, “The Builder of the Marvels” was one and the most deserving one. When you enter Agra, the first impression you might get that is a congested city with nothing “travel-worthy” about it. In fact, everything about it might seem quite ordinary till you remind yourself that this city is home to perhaps the most famous monument in the world. For many who have seen the Taj Mahal in movies or in magazines, or read articles about it. There is a charm and aura about it that grabs their attention. Add to that the fact that it is one of the most visited monuments of the world and it immediately finds a place in your list of destinations to see in India.
Fast Facts
Timings: Open from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM (Closed on Fridays)
Location: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001
Entry Fees:
Indian Visitors: INR 50/- + INR 200/- additional for visiting the main mausoleum
Foreign Visitors: INR 1100/- + INR 200/- additional for visiting the main mausoleum
Online Ticket Discounts:
Rs. 5/- discount per Indian ticket
Rs. 50/- discount per Foreigner ticket
Note:
No entry fee for children below the age of 15 years (both domestic and foreign).
An additional charge of INR 200/- applies if one wants to visit the main mausoleum.
Tourists can enjoy a hassle-free visit by purchasing tickets online, which not only offers a discount but also saves time. Taj Mahal, UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts millions of visitors from around the globe, making it advisable to plan your visit in advance. The serene environment and the intricate architecture of the Taj Mahal provide a glimpse into India’s rich history and culture. Enjoy the breathtaking views and the timeless beauty of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
2. Architectural Marvel
Unique design and construction: Taj Mahal is as fascinating as its name. This scintillating white marble beauty draped in legends beckons tourists from far lands to Agra, a city located at the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. Taj Mahal is a blend of Persian, Mughal and Indian architectural styles, carefully planned and executed; artisans, calligraphers, stone cutters and painters from all over his empire, Central Asia and Iran were gathered by Emperor Shah Jahan to build this lavish monument.
Taj Mahal is supposed to be the largest symmetrical building of the worl. It is believed that the balance of this symmetrical building is maintained by every part of the complex, from the pillars to the gardens. The complete symmetry on all the four sides creates a charming mirror image on each side. The only part of Taj Mahal which is not at par with the rest of the tomb is the graveyard of Shah Jahan which was added later to the complex.
Special mold work in the form of columns can be seen throughout the complex. The heavy silver gates, the gold leaved designs and the blend of white marble and red sandstone offered an exquisite hue to the monument.
Intricate marble inlay work: The external decorations of the Taj Mahal are the perfect example for the beautiful Mughal Art. The Marble Inlay art of the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece and it will be an eye grabbing decorative element. In the art world, the technical name of the artwork carried in the Taj mahal is Pietra Dura. The inlay art technique Pietra Dura includes cutting, fitting, polishing and drawing pictures on the colored stones.
In most cases, the natural decorative stone Marble used under this Pietra Dura inlay art technique. The pietra dura art-technique, which used to build Taj Mahal, consists of Floral or Calligraphic inlays.. To be frank, the inlay artwork of Taj Mahal considered as the Crown of Indian Marble Inlay works.
3. Symbol of Love
Story behind its construction: It was in 1607 that Shah Jahan, grandson of Akbar the Great, first met his beloved. At the time, he was not yet the fifth emperor of the Mughal Empire. Sixteen-year-old Prince Khurram, as he called, flitted around the royal bazaar, flirting with the girls from high-ranking families that staffed the booths. At one of these booths, Prince Khurram met Arjumand Banu Begum, the 15-year-old young woman whose father was soon to be the prime minister and whose aunt married to Prince Khurram’s father. Although it was love at first sight, the two were not allowed to marry right away.
Prince Khurram first had to marry Kandahari Begum. He later took a third wife as well. On March 27, 1612, Prince Khurram and his beloved, to whom he gave the name Mumtaz Mahal (“chosen one of the palace”), were married. Mumtaz Mahal was beautiful as well as smart and tender-hearted. The public was enamored with her, in no small part because she cared for the people.
Emotional significance for visitors: Visiting the Taj Mahal can hold immense emotional significance due to its breathtaking beauty, cultural importance, and historical romance. For many, it symbolizes love, devotion, and the enduring power of human connection. Visiting the Taj Mahal can hold immense emotional significance for many reasons. For some, it’s about witnessing a symbol of enduring love, as it was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Others may feel a deep connection to its architectural beauty and historical significance, or they may see it as a pilgrimage to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Additionally, for those with Indian heritage, it can evoke a sense of cultural pride and connection to their roots.
4. Cultural Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Taj Mahal has long been recognized for its incredible beauty and architectural merit. Complete in 1653 and commissioned by the Mughal emperor as a tomb for one of his favorite wives, Taj Mahal named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. As a national symbol of India, it welcomes millions of visitors each year. As with similarly famous, popular, and fragile sites, the annual influx of tourists imperils the physical fabric of the monument.
Visitors are currently restrict to the neo-colonial version of the Mughal Garden that dominates the foreground of the Taj’s ubiquitous imagery for viewing the mausoleum. However, it is the larger cultural landscape of the river Yamuna and its flood plain, rural hamlets and farm fields, the streets and open spaces adjoining the riverfront that offer the best vantage for best viewing the monument.
Cultural significance for India : The Taj Mahal is significant to Indian culture as it represents an era of Muslim rule and signifies the diversity of religious culture in the country. While Hinduism is the prominent religion in India, the country has a diverse religious population. The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, a Muslim. This landmark exemplifies Mughal architectural style but also borrows from Turkish, Persian, and Indian architectural styles. It’s an assemblage of varying cultures and inspiration, much like the culture of India.
5. Tourist Experience
Spectacular views and photo opportunities: We would be millionaires if we had a penny for every time any one asked us which camera we use for our photos. Truth be tell, photography is about scouting for locations, being patient, spending time on capturing perfect frames. Good equipment can lend a helping hand but ultimately it’s your vision of a photograph that lends it that special something.
This is nowhere truer than at a place that boasts of being the most visited and most photographed monument in the world – The Taj Mahal. How can one photograph the mighty Taj Mahal in ways that pay homage to the sheer splendour of the monument? I won’t lie – in the process you might have to walk through grubby alleyways, mucky passages, or sit on rickety boats that could give way any second But that’s how you find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
Cultural and historical tours: A tour of the Taj Mahal would be an incredible experience! It’s not only a masterpiece of Mughal architecture but also holds immense historical significance as a symbol of love. From Shah Jahan’s tribute to his wife Mumtaz Mahal to the intricate craftsmanship, every detail tells a story. Be sure to learn about its cultural significance and the fascinating history behind its construction while you’re there! You could explore its intricate marble carvings, beautiful gardens, and the symbolism embedded in every detail. It’s a journey through time and emotion.
6. Economic Impact
Tourism revenue for India: The tourist revenue generated by the Taj Mahal and other historical sites in India is significant. These sites attract millions of visitors from around the world each year, contributing to the country’s economy through entrance fees, accommodations, transportation, and local businesses. The Taj Mahal alone is one of India’s top tourist attractions, drawing in a large portion of this revenue.
Additionally, it indirectly supports jobs in various sectors such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, and handicrafts, making it a vital component of India’s tourism industry. The revenue generated helps in preserving cultural heritage sites, promoting tourism infrastructure development, and creating employment opportunities for local communities. It’s not just about monetary gain but also about fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
Infrastructure development: Infrastructure is the collection of systems and facilities that serve as the basis for the economic growth of a country. It includes the services and facilities required for economic development, industrialization, improved lifestyles, and flourishing businesses. Construction of roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, water supply, sewage, electrical grids, and telecommunications (including Internet connectivity and broadband access) are examples of large-scale public and private sector infrastructure projects that boost the economy of a society. Such infrastructure facilities comprise interconnected systems that enable, sustain, or improve society and the environment.