The Great Taj Mahal

          Taj Mahal is mausoleum located in Agra, India. Built by Muslim Mughal Shah Jehan to his lovely wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal is a symbol of finest architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Ottoman, Indian and also Islamic architectural styles. The building began around 1632-1653. It used a thousand of artisans and craftmens.

          Taj Mahal is built entirely with white marbles. I t shows the beauty of the designed during the dawn and the sunset. The Taj seems to glow during full moon. On the morning, The Taj is suspended when viewed from accross the Jamuna river.

          The Taj Mahal design traditions was of Persian architecture  and earlier Mughal architecture. Specific design came from successful Timurid and Mughal buildings. The tomb is the central focus of the entire complex of the Taj Mahal. This large, white marbles structure stands on a square plinth and consists of symmetrical building with an arch-shaped doorway topped by large dome and finial. Like most Mughal tombs, the basic elements are Persian in origin.

          The main finial was originally made of gold but was replaces by copy made of gilded bronze in the early 19th century. This feature provides clear example of integration of traditional Persian and Hindu decorative elements. The finial is topped by moon, a typical Islamic motif.