Location
Situated in Agra, a provincial town in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, lies the grand 350 year old Taj Mahal, epitome of love , on the bank of the river Yamuna and is a short distance from the Agra fort . It can be reached via a road known as the Mall from the Fort and the main market Kinara Bazaar . Filled with remnants from the past-that includes tombs, churches, cemeteries and gardens of the Mughul period the place is like taking a walk through history.


Significance
The Taj renowned for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty is undoubtly one of the most spectacular building in the world. It is counted among man's greatest and proudest creations and is invariably one of the seven wonders of the entire World. As a tomb it is unmatched , for mortal remains have never been housed to such granduer and epitomised in stones.


About The Taj
"An Elegy created in marble "or an " expression of true love", the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his Begum Arjumand Bano better known Mumtaj Mahal. The construction of Taj Mahal was started in 1631AD and completed by the end of 1648AD.

For seventeen Years , twenty thousand workmen were employed daily. The accomodation of the fellow workers itself created a small town adjucent to the Monument and named after the deceaded empress as Mumtazabad, now known as Taj Ganj. Amanat Khan Shiraji was the calligrapher of Taj Mahal and verses on the tombstone was designed by Poet Gyassuddin. While the design was given by Ustad Ahmad Lahouri.


Architecture
The Taj stands on a raised square platform with four corners truncated forming an unequal octagen. The interlocking arabesque concept was applied in its creation, whereby each element stand on its own and perfecly integrates with the main structure. The central dome is fifty eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet flanked to its sides by four subsidised domed chamber. The minarets, four in number are 162.5 feet each.

The Mausoleum that houses the grave of Queen Mumtaj is entirely decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy was done using precious gems like agate, jasper., Jade and Crystal The archway chiselled with pasages from the Holy Quoran gives it a unique charm and adds to its beauty.

The Taj Mausoleum is a part of a vast complex of palatial buildings comprising the main gate, an exquisite garden to the front , a mosque to the left, a guest house to the right and the river yamuna behind it.


Other Attractions beyond the Taj
Agra Fort - The Red sandstone Fort built as a military establishment by Akbar in the year 1565 when he shifted his capital to Lahore (now in Pakistan) ,and partialy converted into a palace during the reign of ShahJahan adds glory to the mughal dynasty of having such great rulers.