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TRIVIA: TAJ MAHAL
One of the world's most famous buildings, the Tak Mahal commemorates both the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, and Mumtaz Mahal, his favorite wife. Its perfect proportions and exquisite craftsmanship have been described as “a prayer, a vision, a dream, a poem, a wonder.” This sublime garden-tomb, an image of the Islamic garden of paradise, cost nearly 41 million rupees and 500 kilos of gold. Around 20,000 workers labored for almost 22 years to complete it in 1653.
Decorative Elements of the Taj Mahal -
It is widely believed that the Taj Mahal was designed to represent an earthly replica of one of the houses of paradise. Its impeccable marble facing, embellished by a remarkable use of exquisite surface design, is a splendid showcase for the refined aesthetic that reached its height during Shah Jahan's reign. Described as “one of the most elegant and harmonious buildings in the world”, the Taj indeed manifests the wealth and luxury of Mughal art as seen in architecture and garden design, painting, jewelry, calligraphy, textiles carpet-weaving and furniture.
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Pietra Dura – The Mughals were great naturalists who believed that flowers were the “symbol of the divine realm”. In the Taj, pietra dura has been extensively used to translate naturalistic forms into decorative patterns that complement the majesty of its architecture.
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Carved Relief Work – Decorative panels of flowering plants, foliage and vases are realistically carved on the lower portions of the walls. While the pietra dura adds color to the pristine white marble these highlight the texture of the polished marble and sandstone surface. |
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Calligraphy – Inlaid calligraphy in black marble was used as a form of ornamentation on undecorated surfaces. The exquisitely detailed panels of inscriptions of Koranic passages, that line the recessed arches like banners, were designed by the Persian calligrapher, Amanat Khan. |
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