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The Taj Mahal, a symbol of love, was commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Built with white marble, it attracts millions of tourists annually
The use of lights at night has been completely banned to maintain the Taj Mahal’s cleanliness and safety. (News18)
The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world and a symbol of India’s pride, is also regarded as an emblem of love. Its unique architecture, white marble structure, and location on the banks of the Yamuna River enhance its allure, attracting millions of tourists annually.
Taj Mahal’s History
The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned this magnificent edifice in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to their 14th child. Construction began in 1632, and it took approximately 20,000 artists, craftsmen, and labourers 22 years to complete this marvellous structure.
For the construction of the Taj Mahal, white marble was sourced from Rajasthan, jade stone from South India, and precious gems from countries like Turkey, Afghanistan, and China. It stands as a unique example of Mughal architecture.
Beneath the main tomb, the Taj Mahal houses 22 rooms. These rooms, closed during the Mughal era, were last opened for inspection in 1934 and have remained sealed since then. In 2022, a petition to investigate these rooms was rejected by the court. According to a BBC report, these rooms are part of the Taj Mahal’s basement.
Tourist Information
The Taj Mahal opens daily at 6 am and closes at 6:30 pm, with no entry permitted after 6:30 pm. Lights are not used at night to prevent insects from sticking to the marble walls, which could damage the structure’s beauty and the tiles due to air pollution.
Since 1997, the use of lights at night has been completely banned for security reasons, as stated in a report by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This decision has been made to maintain the Taj Mahal’s cleanliness and safety.
Entry details for tourists include daily access from 6 am to 6:30 pm, with the site being closed every Friday for prayers. Tourists are allowed entry on the night of the full moon. The entry fee is Rs 50 for Indian citizens and Rs 1,100 for foreign tourists.
Architectural Marvel
The main mausoleum of the Taj Mahal is entirely underground. The Mughals employed a special architectural style to fortify the foundation of this structure located on the Yamuna River’s banks.
The Taj Mahal changes colour throughout the day, appearing white in the daytime, red in the evening, and blue under moonlight. Following the Mughal rule, the Taj Mahal was attacked during the British period, resulting in the looting of its precious gems.
The Taj Mahal, symbolising love and spirituality, is one of the world’s rare creations. With its unique beauty, grand architectural skills, and historical importance, it will always remain a masterpiece of human art. A visit to the Taj Mahal is essential to fully appreciate its splendour.
- Location :
Agra, India, India