Architecture and Design: Shah Jahan Mumtaz Mahal Persian Gauhara Begum Mumtaz Mahal

The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal,
a Persian princess who died on 17 June that year, giving birth to their 14th child, Gauhara Begum.[6][7] Construction
started in 1632,[8] and the mausoleum was completed in 1643, while the surrounding buildings and garden were
finished five years later.[9] The imperial court documenting Shah Jahan's grief after the death of Mumtaz
Mahal illustrates the love story held as the inspiration for the Taj Mahal.[10]
Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal
"Shah Jahan on a globe" from the Smithsonian Institution
Artistic depiction of Mumtaz Mahal
Architecture and design

Main article: Origins and architecture of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal incorporates and expands on design traditions of Persian and earlier Mughal architecture. Specific
inspiration came from successful Timurid and Mughal buildings including the Gur-e Amir (the tomb of Timur,
progenitor of the Mughal dynasty, in Samarkand),[11] Humayun's Tomb, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb (sometimes called
the Baby Taj), and Shah Jahan's own Jama Masjid in Delhi. While earlier Mughal buildings were primarily constructed
of red sandstone, Shah Jahan promoted the use of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones. Buildings under his
patronage reached new levels of refinement.[12]
Tomb
The tomb is the central focus of the entire complex of the Taj Mahal. It is a large, white marble structure standing on a
square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway) topped by a large dome
and finial. Like most Mughal tombs, the basic elements are Persian in origin.[13]
The base structure is a large multi-chambered cube with chamfered corners forming an unequal eight-sided structure
that is approximately 55 metres (180 ft) on each of the four long sides. Each side of the iwan is framed with a
huge pishtaq or vaulted archway with two similarly shaped arched balconies stacked on either side. This motif of
stacked pishtaqs is replicated on the chamfered corner areas, making the design completely symmetrical on all sides
of the building. Four minarets frame the tomb, one at each corner of the plinth facing the chamfered corners. The
main chamber houses the false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan; the actual graves are at a lower
level.[14]
Taj Mahal gallery
Taj Mahal at sunrise from Main Entrance.
Four minarets frame the tomb.
Interior view of the vaulted dome over the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz.

The false sarcophagi of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan in the main chamber.
The actual tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan in the lower level.
Main marble dome, smaller domes, and decorative spires that extend from the edges of the base walls.
The most spectacular feature is the marble dome that surmounts the tomb. The dome is nearly 35 metres (115 ft)
high which is close in measurement to the length of the base, and accentuated by the cylindrical "drum" it sits on
which is approximately 7 metres (23 ft) high. Because of its shape, the dome is often called an onion
dome or amrud (guava dome).[15]The top is decorated with a lotus design which also serves to accentuate its height.
The shape of the dome is emphasised by four smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its corners, which replicate
the onion shape of the main dome. The dome is slightly asymmetrical.[16] Their columned bases open through the roof
of the tomb and provide light to the interior. Tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend from edges of base walls, and
provide visual emphasis to the height of the dome. The lotus motif is repeated on both the chattrisand guldastas. The
dome and chattris are topped by a gilded finial which mixes traditional Persian and Hindustani decorative
elements.[citation needed]
The main finial was originally made of gold but was replaced by a copy made of gilded bronze in the early 19th
century. This feature provides a clear example of integration of traditional Persian and Hindu decorative
elements.[17] The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward.[18]
The minarets, which are each more than 40 metres (130 ft) tall, display the designer's penchant for symmetry. They
were designed as working minarets— a traditional element of mosques, used by the muezzin to call the Islamic
faithful to prayer. Each minaret is effectively divided into three equal parts by two working balconies that ring the
tower. At the top of the tower is a final balcony surmounted by a chattri that mirrors the design of those on the tomb.
The chattris all share the same decorative elements of a lotus design topped by a gilded finial. The minarets were
constructed slightly outside of the plinth so that in the event of collapse, a typical occurrence with many tall
constructions of the period, the material from the towers would tend to fall away from the tomb. [citation needed]

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The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to be built in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal,

"Shah Jahan on a globe" from the Smithsonian Institution

Artistic depiction of Mumtaz Mahal

Architecture and design

Taj Mahal gallery

Taj Mahal at sunrise from Main Entrance.

Four minarets frame the tomb.

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