039 INDIA - Taj Mahal (WHS)

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the unversally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage". Taj Mahal is regarded by many as the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian and Indian architectural styles. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures.

In 1631, Shah Jahan, emperor during the Mughal empire's period of greatest prosperity, was grief-stricken when his third wife died during the birth of their 14th child. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632. The cournt chronicles of Shah Jahan's grief illustrate the love story tradiotionally held as an inspiration for Taj Mahal. The principal Mausoleum was completed in 1648 and the surrounding buildings and gardens were finished five years later.

About the sender

Gaurav Mishra (direct swap) sent from Mandla (India) on 16.08.2013