Who designed the Taj Mahal? How much money did it cost to build it (including labor)?

The Taj Mahal was designed by a team of architects led by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who drew inspiration from Mughal and Persian architectural styles. The construction of the Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away in 1631.

The exact cost of building the Taj Mahal is not known, but it is estimated to have cost around 32 million rupees at the time, which is equivalent to several hundred million dollars in today's currency. The construction of the Taj Mahal took over 20 years and involved thousands of workers, including artisans, craftsmen, and laborers from all over India and Central Asia.

The construction of the Taj Mahal was a massive undertaking, with materials and labor sourced from all over the region. The white marble used in the construction of the Taj Mahal was sourced from quarries in Rajasthan, and the precious stones and gems used in the intricate inlay work were brought in from as far as Persia and Central Asia.

Despite the massive cost and complex logistics involved in building the Taj Mahal, the monument has become one of the most iconic and beloved landmarks in the world. It is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a symbol of love and devotion and has inspired countless artists, poets, and writers over the centuries.

Unveiling the Best Time to Experience the Majestic Beauty of the Taj Mahal: Tips for Planning Your Visit

What is the world think about the Taj Mahal and its Important to India's Tourism?

The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most iconic and beautiful monuments in the world and is recognized as a symbol of love, beauty, and architectural excellence. It is admired by people from all over the world and is widely regarded as one of India's greatest treasures. The monument has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The Taj Mahal is also hugely important to India's tourism industry, as it attracts millions of visitors every year from all over the world. According to official statistics, the Taj Mahal is one of the most visited tourist attractions in India and generates significant revenue for the country's tourism sector. The monument is a major part of India's cultural heritage and is an important source of pride for the country.

In recent years, the Indian government has taken steps to promote tourism to the Taj Mahal and other cultural and heritage sites in the country, recognizing the economic and cultural importance of these attractions. The Taj Mahal remains a beloved and iconic monument that is cherished by people from all over the world and is a testament to the artistic and engineering skills of the Mughal era.

Unveiling the Best Time to Experience the Majestic Beauty of the Taj Mahal: Tips for Planning Your Visit

You also like to Know: Who ruled Chhattisgarh more, the Marathas or the British?

Who ruled Chhattisgarh more, the Marathas or the British?

Chhattisgarh was ruled by various dynasties and empires throughout its history, including the Mauryas, Satvahanas, Kalachuris, Rajputs, Marathas, and the British. However, it is difficult to say which of these ruled Chhattisgarh more, as the duration and extent of their rule varied.

The Marathas were one of the most prominent powers in central India during the 18th century, and they ruled over Chhattisgarh for several decades. The Maratha Empire was founded in 1674 by Shivaji Maharaj and grew to become a major power in India, controlling much of the Deccan plateau and central India. The Marathas ruled over Chhattisgarh from the mid-18th century until the early 19th century.

The British, on the other hand, began to establish their rule over India in the mid-18th century, and gradually expanded their control over various regions, including Chhattisgarh. The British annexed Chhattisgarh in the early 19th century, and it became a part of the British Raj. The British ruled over Chhattisgarh until India gained independence in 1947.

What are some of the oldest monuments, landmarks, and buildings in the world?

Overall, both the Marathas and the British had a significant impact on the history and development of Chhattisgarh, and their legacies can still be seen in the region's culture, architecture, and political history.

Did the Marathas ever rule Agra and have control over the Taj Mahal, one of India's most iconic and beloved monuments?

Unveiling the Best Time to Experience the Majestic Beauty of the Taj Mahal: Tips for Planning Your Visit

Yes, the Marathas did briefly rule over Agra and had control over the Taj Mahal. The Maratha Empire, under the leadership of Peshwa Baji Rao I, captured Agra in 1754 and took control of the city and its surrounding areas. During their brief rule, the Marathas made some repairs and improvements to the Taj Mahal to prevent it from falling into disrepair.

However, the Maratha rule over Agra and the Taj Mahal was short-lived, as they were soon defeated by the forces of the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, who recaptured Agra in 1759. The Mughals continued to rule Agra and the Taj Mahal until the British took control of the region in the 19th century.

Today, the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India, attracting millions of visitors every year. It is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a symbol of love and devotion and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal remains a testament to the artistic and engineering skills of the Mughal era and is a beloved and iconic monument that is cherished by people from all over the world.

Unveiling the Best Time to Experience the Majestic Beauty of the Taj Mahal: Tips for Planning Your Visit

1Unveiling the Best Time to Experience the Majestic Beauty of the Taj Mahal: Tips for Planning Your Visit

Why is the Taj Mahal considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world?

The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world due to its exquisite architecture, intricate carvings, impressive scale, and stunning location. Here are some reasons why the Taj Mahal is considered a marvel of architecture and a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage:

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1. Unique Architecture: The Taj Mahal is a masterful example of Mughal architecture, which combines Indian, Persian, and Islamic elements. The building is made of white marble and features intricate carvings and inlay work.

2. Impressive Scale: The Taj Mahal is a massive structure that is 73 meters (240 feet) long and 28 meters (92 feet) wide. The central dome is 35 meters (115 feet) high, and the four minarets at the corners of the platform are 40 meters (131 feet) tall.

3. Stunning Location: The Taj Mahal is located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and reflecting pools. The location adds to the beauty of the building and provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

4. Symbolic Meaning: The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth. The building symbolizes the emperor's love for his wife and is a testament to the power of love and devotion.

Overall, the Taj Mahal is a masterpiece of architecture and design that has captivated people's imaginations for centuries. Its beauty and symbolism have made it a cultural icon and a must-see destination for visitors to India.

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Shah Begum - Jahangir's first wife and Shehzade Khusrau's mother

 Shah Begum was the title given to Jahangir's first wife and Shehzade Khusrau's mother, a Kachhwaha princess, Man Bai. She was also his first cousin from his maternal side. She married Jahangir when he was still a Mughal prince, at the young age of fifteen.

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History doesn't record much about Mughal queens and princesses, they were mostly behind the purdah, and not all of them were favoured by the king to have acknowledged a place in the court chronicles.

Shah Begum Tomb

While Man Bai finds mention in the Jahangirnama, she was not one of the influential women of the harem. Jahangir goes on to write about her in his memoirs after she killed herself when not able to solve the troubled relationship between her husband and son, with an overdose.

Shah Begum

He mourns her death and loss, saying, 'What shall I write of her goodness and excellence? She had a mind to perfection and she was so loyal to me that she would have sacrificed a thousand sons and brothers for one hair on my head. She constantly wrote advice to Khusrau and tried to reason with him to be loving and loyal to me.'

Shah Begum and Jahanjir

Though a Hindu by birth, she was buried after death according to Islamic culture. The construction of her tomb was entrusted to Aqa Reza, the principal artist at Allahabad court. Her tomb is located in Khusrau Bagh, Allahabad. It was completed in 1607.

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The tomb of 4th Mughal Emperor, Noor-ud-Din Muhammad Jahangir

 The tomb of 4th Mughal Emperor, Noor-ud-Din Muhammad Jahangir (1569-1627 A.D) built in the middle of an enormous garden on the right bank of River Ravi at Shahdara  town on the north- western outskirts of Lahore. Jahangir died at Rajauri on his way to Kashmir and according to his will; his dead body was brought to Lahore and buried in a beautiful garden called, Dilkusha, owned by his favorite and celebrated queen Noor Jahan. 

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The monument took ten years for complition and cost Rs.10 lakhs. The contemporary court accounts credit Shahjahan, son of Jahangir, with the construction of his father’s tomb; it is more likely to have been the result of Noor Jahan’s vision.

Jahangir Tomb in Lahore

The tomb and its garden are enclosed by a high brick wall with an imposing gateway on the western side linking the Akbari Sarai. The tomb garden is divided into four main parterres and further sub divided into sixteen equal squares by brick paved walkways with water channels. Each intersection is marked by an alternate octagonal and square cistern.  The division of garden is an attempt to follow the setting of a Chahar Bagh Rauza (paradisal garden mausoleum).

 

Jahangir's Palace in Agra

The tomb is a single-storey square building, measuring 267 feet on each side and constructed on a high platform. The most striking feature of the building is its arcaded verandah of the inner sanctuary, which runs in front of the series of rooms and four vaulted bays lead to the central burial chamber. The burial chamber contains the marble tomb stone of the Emperor marking the grave underneath. The sarcophagus and the platform are convolutedly inlaid with semi- precious and precious stones depicting floral pattern and ninety- nine attributes of Allah. 

Agra Fort India

The bay leading to the grave is profusely ornamented with fresco paintings on the ceiling and side walls at dado level, are bedecked with tile mosaic work. Designs finished with cut pieces of various stones such as Snag-e- Badal, Sang-e Abri and black and white marble on the floor making the overall aesthetic impact more enchanting. Hardly any part is left unembellished. The inner sanctuary is screened by a panel of fine marble beehive fretwork. Four octagonal minarets on each corner of the square structure are built. Each minaret is raised in four stages and crowned with cupola. 

The three stages in the middle are decorated with horizontally laid zigzag design by inlaying white, yellow, and black marble. Each stage is defined by railing supported with marble bracket. The entrance gate from Akbari Serai is double storey building, the exterior of which is decorated with inlaid geometric and floral designs registered in red sandstone panels. The half of the dome of the arched entrance bears honeycombed pendentives flanked by panels representing summit and bouquet of flowers.

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Nai Ka Gumbad - Tomb belongs to the barber of Humayun

 This is the only tomb inside the Charbagh after Humayun's, located southeast of the Humayun’s Tomb. There is no inscription to identify who is buried in it.

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But as per the Board of Archaeological Survey of India, It's said that this tomb belongs to the barber of Humayun.

The mausoleum is popularly called Nai Ka Gumbad also known as Barber's Tomb.

The magnificent tomb is built using red and grey sandstone, tilted canopies, minarets, and sandstone screens give the tomb its striking character.

The tomb has within it the ornamental cenotaphs of one male and one female.

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Nur Mahal - Serai was erected by Nur Jahan Begam

 The Mughal Age was an age of development in almost every field including the economy. The growing importance of trade and commerce and politics led to the construction of a network of roads that connected places of commercial and political interests. Along the sides of these roads, shady trees were planted, wells dug out and resting places for travelers called serais were constructed.

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The serai was constructed on the orders of Noor Jahan under the supervision of Zakariya Khan in 1618AD, then Governor of the Doab. Nurmahal got its name from Noor Jahan, who is said to have been brought up here.

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Over the entrance to the gateway is an inscription. The inscription written in four rhyming verses reads as follows :

1. During the just rule of Jahangir Shah, son of Akbar Shah, whose neither heaven nor earth remembers.

2. The Nur Saray was founded in the district of Phalor by the command of that angel, Nur Jahan Begam.

3. The poet happily discovered the date of its foundation: this Saray was founded by Nur Jahan Begam in 1028.

4. Knowledge of the date of its completion was found in the words: "This Serai was erected by Nur Jahan Begam"

There were plenty of rooms, the Emperor's quarters, a well, and a mosque inside the serai area. Jahangir mentions this serai in his memoirs when he says:

“...I took up my quarters in Nur-Saray. At this spot, the Vakils of Nur Jahan Begam had built a lofty house and made a royal garden. It was now completed. On this account the Begam, having begged for entertainment, prepared a grand feast, and by the way of offering, with great pains produced all kinds of delicate and rare things. In order to please her I took what I approved. I halted two days at this place.”

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