KISAH SEDIH SANG PENDIRI TAJ MAHAL - SHAH JANAN

Summary

The Taj Mahal is an architectural wonder built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The construction took 22 years, combining Persian and Mughal styles with intricate marble inlays, calligraphy, and stunning gardens. Despite the monument’s grandeur, Shah Jahan’s grief lingered, and after its completion, his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him. The Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of eternal love, with a rich history of looting, restoration, and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Taj Mahal is a stunning white marble monument built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth in 1631.
• 😀 The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and was completed in 1653, taking over 22 years to build with the involvement of around 20,000 workers.
• 😀 The Taj Mahal is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and showcases a blend of Mughal and Persian architecture with remarkable symmetry and intricate marble carvings.
• 😀 Mumtaz Mahal, originally named Arjumand Banu Begum, was deeply loved by Shah Jahan and was known for her kindness, charity, and compassion towards the poor and needy.
• 😀 The death of Mumtaz Mahal left Shah Jahan devastated, and he decided to build the Taj Mahal as a monumental tribute to her memory.
• 😀 The Taj Mahal's design was inspired by previous Mughal architecture, with elements borrowed from the tomb of Humayun and Jama Masjid in Delhi.
• 😀 Shah Jahan’s grief over his wife’s death led him to spend years in mourning, and he was later imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb in 1658, where he spent the final years of his life.
• 😀 After Shah Jahan’s imprisonment, his son Aurangzeb ascended to the throne but became notorious for his ruthlessness, including imprisoning his father and executing his brothers to secure his position.
• 😀 The Taj Mahal's construction was funded by the wealth of the Mughal Empire, and it is estimated to have cost around 32 million rupees at the time, a fortune that was spent on its intricate design and materials.
• 😀 The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, continues to attract millions of tourists annually, with special nighttime visits during the full moon offering a unique view of the monument.

Q & A

Who built the Taj Mahal and why?

The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. He wanted to create a magnificent monument to honor her after she passed away during childbirth in 1631.

What was the architectural style of the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal features a blend of Mughal and Persian architectural styles, with elements such as intricate marble carvings, symmetrical designs, and the use of precious stones and metals.

How long did it take to complete the Taj Mahal?

The construction of the Taj Mahal took approximately 22 years, starting in 1631 and finishing in 1653.

What materials were used in the construction of the Taj Mahal?

The primary material used in the Taj Mahal's construction is white marble, sourced from the Makrana region in India. Other materials included precious stones, gold, and wood.

What is the significance of the Taj Mahal's symmetry?

The Taj Mahal's symmetry symbolizes the perfection of love and the afterlife. Its perfectly balanced design reflects the harmonious relationship between the physical and spiritual realms.

How did the death of Mumtaz Mahal affect Shah Jahan?

The death of Mumtaz Mahal deeply affected Shah Jahan. He was so grieved that it is said he spent days in mourning. This profound sorrow led him to dedicate the Taj Mahal as a permanent memorial to her.

What challenges did the Taj Mahal face during its construction?

One of the significant challenges during the Taj Mahal’s construction was the transportation of the massive marble blocks and other materials. It took 1,000 elephants and oxen to carry the marble to the site.

What happened to Shah Jahan after the Taj Mahal was completed?

After the Taj Mahal was completed, Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb, who took the throne. Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life confined in a prison, where he could only gaze at the Taj Mahal from a small window.

How did the Taj Mahal survive looting and damage over the years?

The Taj Mahal faced several attempts of looting and destruction, especially during the British colonial period. However, Lord Curzon, the British Viceroy of India, ordered restoration work in the 19th century to preserve its grandeur.

Why is the Taj Mahal considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World?

The Taj Mahal is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World because of its stunning architectural beauty, intricate design, and historical significance as a symbol of eternal love.