Why was the Taj Mahal built?

One of the wonders of the world, the stunning 17th Century white marble Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Around 20,000 people worked day and night for 22 years. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was the architect.

The architecture of the Taj Mahal is a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles. The Taj Mahal is also one of the world’s most iconic monuments, visited by millions of tourists each year. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site.

At different times of the day it appears to be a different color - pink in the morning, white in the day, and golden in the moonlight. It is built of white marble that reflects hues according to the intensity of the sunlight or the moonlight.

The Taj Mahal was built as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, beloved wife of Shah Jahān (reigned 1628–58). She died in childbirth in 1631 and the Taj Mahal represents Shah Jahan's eternal love for Mumtaz.

She was the emperor’s inseparable companion since their marriage in 1612. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum complex that houses the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.

Shah Jahan had other wives as well and they all lived together. But Mumtaz was his favorite. She ended up bearing him 14 children in 10 years and died during the birth of the final one.

Mumtaz had an idea that she might not live longer and hence before dying she took three promises from him: 

1. To never marry again

2. To look after the remaining children

3. To build a resting place for her.

Shah Jahan completed all the promises he made to his beloved wife. Different varieties of precious stones and many types of marbles were used and brought from different Indian states & countries: China, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Arabia.

The design of the Taj Mahal amazes architects - it has lasted almost 400 years. The pillars are built to withstand natural disasters, and the foundations are much deeper than other buildings designed around that time.

The building was designed so the interior reverberation time is exactly 28 seconds, creating just the ambiance Shah Jahan wanted when prayers were offered to Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a symbol of love. A grieving emperor's ode to his beloved deceased queen.