Travel Bucketlist: Taj Mahal

There is nothing else in the world that compares to how majestic the Taj Mahal is. Situated in a country bursting with spirit, culture, and history, we can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t want to see the Taj up close.

Now, you might know what the Taj Mahal looks like, but do you know the history behind it? Or if you’re planning a trip to India, where and how to see the Taj Mahal? 

Even if the answer is no, there’s no need for you to worry. This article has all the information that you need to know about the Taj Mahal – why it is famous, why it was built, where it is located, and so much more. Keep reading on!

Why Is the Taj Mahal Famous?

The Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the finest creations of humankind. Built by one of the most powerful emperors in Indian history, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum made of white marble with precious jewels studded into the walls.

Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, which translates to “king of the world’, dedicated this breathtaking structure in the memory of his wife. So, not only is the Taj Mahal an example of some of the finest artistic works of humanity but also stands for love.

The precious materials and the highly skilled craftsmen who made Shah Jahan’s vision of the Taj Mahal into reality were sourced from all corners of India as well as the world.

Apart from the studded precious gems, the walls of the Taj Mahal have intricate carvings as well as Quranic verses etched in calligraphy.

It is estimated that a total of 20,000 artists worked on this structure. The main structure is surrounded by four minarets which were designed with a slight outward tilt. This is an example of the brilliance of the Taj Mahal – if one of these minarets were to collapse, the tilt would protect them from destroying the main dome.

The complex within which the Taj Mahal is built extends to the bank of the river Yamuna. It has a mosque to the west and a former guesthouse, both of which were built with red sandstone. The rest of the complex is a beautiful and expansive garden with a pool.

Where Is the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is located on the banks of the Yamuna River in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh, a state in India.

The district of Agra is 165 kilometers away from the capital Delhi. This journey can be easily accessed by road and should not take you more than 6 hours. The nearest airport to Taj Mahal is the Agra Airport, which is at a distance of 13 kilometers.

The nearest railway station to Taj Mahal is Agra Cantt and the nearest bus terminal is the Idgah Bus Station, both of which are at a mere distance of 6 km. So, no matter which means of transport you use, getting to Agra should not be a hassle at all.

Who Built the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his fourth wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal emperor of India and reigned between 1628 to 1658. With the numerous monuments and mosques he commissioned, as well as his possession of an expansive royal treasury (which included the Kohinoor), Shah Jahan has been regarded as one of the richest people in history.

The relationship between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal has been well-documented through poems, biographies, etc. of their time. Even in the present time, their relationship has been the subject of many works of literature and cinema.

When Was the Taj Mahal Built?

The construction of the Taj Mahal itself began in 1632 and was completed in 1648. However, the adjoining mosque, guest house, the main gateway, and the outer courtyard were constructed later in 1653.

The construction of the Taj Mahal has its fair share of hassles. However, the very best material was sourced from corners of the world to give this magnificent structure the charm that it still holds.

The stunning white marble used in its construction was brought from Rajasthan and jasper was brought from Punjab, both of which are states in India. The jade and crystal stones used were brought from China; turquoise from Tibet, Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, and sapphire came from Sri Lanka.

Fun Facts About the Taj Mahal

Now that you have considerable knowledge of the Taj Mahal, you can fully appreciate its glory when you visit it. But if you are someone who digs deep into the cultural history of the places you visit, here are some more facts about the Taj Mahal:

• It is believed that Shah Jahan intended to make another identical structure as the Taj Mahal directly opposite to it. Located on the other bank of the river Yamuna, this structure would be made with black marble to contrast the original.

• Although several precious gems and stones were etched into the marble walls of the Taj Mahal, only a few of them remain. Most of these highly valuable stones were ripped off from the walls by the British during an Indian rebellion of 1857.

• We have already mentioned how the material used to build this mausoleum was brought in from different parts of the world. But did you wonder how this was achieved back in the 17th century? More than a thousand elephants were used to transport these materials from one place to another.

Final Thoughts

Taj Mahal is on top of the travel bucket list of various enthusiastic travelers. If you're one of them, we hope that this guide helped you get a deep insight into the Taj Mahal, its history, and other related questions!

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Cover Photo by Sylwia Bartyzel on Unsplash