Explore a Mystery: The Taj Mahal By: Nafisakhon Bosimova
“The Taj Mahal is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden when the moon shines.” (Anonymous)
T
he Taj Mahal means the “Crown of Buildings” and is quite an iconic monument seen as a jewel representing Muslim Art in India. Its architecture, history, and uniqueness will always be a source of wonder for the curious mind. Some questions that come to mind could be: What does this magnificent building symbolize? Why is it seen as a real miracle of engineering of its time? Is the Taj Mahal’s symmetry that perfect? The Taj Mahal is a symbol of India, but can it be considered a full-fledged symbol of Indian architecture? I will attempt to address all these questions and more. The Taj Mahal symbolizes true love all over the world. This love existed between the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Emperor Shah Jahan conferred the title of Mumtaz Mahal to his wife in 1628 when he came to the throne. Mumtaz Mahal means “Jewel of the Palace.” Mumtaz Mahal passed away giving birth to their fourteenth child. Shah Jahan wanted to honor her memory and decided to build a majestic building as a tribute to his beloved wife. The inspiration for the building was to create a resting place for the Empress, kind of like earthly heaven surrounded by beauty and peace. However, let us not forget that Shah Jahan was, after all, a Muslim Emperor, and he used architecture to demonstrate his wealth, greatness, and the greatness of his faith - Islam. His tomb is also in the Mausoleum.
10 BATTUTA June
