The taj mahal research paper

Document Type:Essay

Subject Area:History

Document 1

The two, both the prince and the princess did their wedding in 1612. Shah Jahan later become the fifth Mughal monarch. Interestingly, both the prince and the princess doubled as spouse and a counselor respectively (Prasad, 52). As such, in several armed expeditions, the queen often followed the emperor on his travels. Consequently, given the much contact, the queen had a massive influence on her husband. In the course of time, a Persian engineer named Ustad Isa was therefore put to task to draw the comprehensive structure (Kumar, 13). Isa, as a master architect began the process of formation of the magnificent edifice with the help of his assistant Ismai Khan (Bloom, 474). For a period spanning 22 years, the construction process engaged a list of over 20000 stone cutters across the world.

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Similarly, from 1632 to 1653, the construction of the main house of the Taj Mahal began (Sharma, 108). However, the mosque as one of the edifices was finished earlier in 1643. Similarly, the water channel found in the front space of the structure replicates a balanced picture of the Taj Mahal. As such, the channel carefully splits the garden equally (Prasad, 53). Also, it is coated with amazing polish and exquisite carvings in the form of marbles which represents stability and a sense of peace and immortality. Additionally, the Taj Mahal rests on a square dais approximately 186 by 186 feet. Therefore, with its four angles shortened and thus showcasing uneven octagon in its appearance. The architectural ground is also revolutionary. It almost spans 250 feet high, in an area of over a forty two acres of land.

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As such, the monument also incorporates and extends the Persian traditional designs. Similarly, the dome represented on the cube is likened to the traditional Islamic buildings. Moreover, the inspiration for the beautiful design came from two parties Timurid and Mughal buildings (Sharma, 106). As a result, this is the most impressive part as it invites anyone to what waits within. Also, the gate is engulfed by double arcade galleries in the Northern part (Azmee, 75). The Garden Also known as the Charbagh, the garden showcases an intricate part of Mughal mausoleums. In front of the garden lies the galleries which essentially subdivides into four quarters. That is, two major walk-ways and thereby each quarter is further subdivided by cross-axial walk-ways that appear to be narrow on the Timurid-Persian model of the walled garden (Azmee, 75).

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Most importantly, it represents one of the best forms of raised tombs in the several varieties. Further, the image of the tomb is raised on a platform that is square with an octagonal base, surrounded with four sides extended beyond the square corners (Sharma, 107). However, the platform top is reached by a lateral flight of steps availed in the center, which also comprised by portal halls and rooms with four corners. The Exterior Additionally, the ground plan strikes a perfect balance with portal halls and the rooms with four corners. The domed chamber houses the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and the Shah Jahan. However, on the entrance side of the main tomb lies a huge arched vault which also in turn is framed by two likened arches on either side.

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As such, the arches showcases balconies that are stacked in the two different levels. Again, this is repeated in the eight edges around the building which gives the building s dimension symmetry. Furthermore, the proximity of the voids and solids in combination with the convex and concave elements bring a wonderful effect of contrast. As a result, the exterior with has marble contents often changes color periodically reflecting the conditions of the day made of light, while also producing a beautiful pearly effect at night. It houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Again, the two cenotaphs are enshrined within a marble screen and all lie facing the south. Sha Jahan flamboyantly took it upon himself to commission the intensive decoration of the interior layout of Taj Mahal which is contrary to the Islam dictates.

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