3rd time here, still awestruck 😅
Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
History lesson for my memory bank 🤫
It’s become a timeless symbol of love, loss, and legacy, the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 during childbirth.
What followed was a monumental tribute, a white marble mausoleum that would become one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1983).
Built over 17 years (1628 to 1648), this architectural masterpiece blends Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles in perfect symmetry. The central dome, flanked by four graceful minarets, rises above an underground chamber housing the emperor and queen’s tombs.
The marble came from Makrana in Rajasthan, while semi-precious inlay stones were sourced from India, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. Artisans from across the Mughal empire, Central Asia, and Iran worked on the project. Stonecutters, inlayers, calligraphers, dome builders, all contributing to its brilliance.
Set on the banks of the Yamuna River, the Taj sits within a classic Mughal Charbagh (four-part garden), symbolising paradise. A raised marble water tank reflects the monument like a mirror (an iconic photo spot for millions of visitors)
In his final years, Shah Jahan was imprisoned in Agra Fort by his son Aurangzeb. Legend says he spent his days gazing at the Taj Mahal across the river, mourning the queen and the empire he once.