Taj Mahal (world history)

The Taj Mahal: India’s iconic landmark

The Taj Mahal is a prominent architectural structure located in Agra, India. It may initially appear to be a grand, white palace, but it is actually a mausoleum built in the form of a palace. The structure is made of white marble, and depending on the time of day, its color changes with the sunlight. Its beauty is particularly enhanced during sunrise and sunset. The Taj Mahal is perfectly symmetrical, with the right and left sides aligning so precisely that if folded, they would match perfectly. The gardens and lake surrounding the monument only add to its fame.

Constructed in the 1600s, the Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor to honor his wife after her death. The emperor spent around 20 years constructing the mausoleum, and over 20,000 workers were involved in the project. The monument’s interior and exterior were decorated with precious jewels brought from various countries including Turkey, Egypt, and China, in addition to high-quality local materials. The Taj Mahal is situated along the Yamuna River, and although it has slightly tilted since the 2000s due to the soft ground, stabilization efforts have ensured it remains secure.