I visited the mesmerizing Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of Mughal architecture in Agra, India. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, this white marble mausoleum captivated me with its dome floating against the blue sky. Walking along the reflective pools, I admired the intricate carvings and symmetrical design. The gardens enhance its tranquil atmosphere, creating harmony with nature.
Construction began in 1631 after Mumtaz died giving birth to their 14th child. Their love story is legendary—they met as teenagers and married five years later. The grieving emperor employed 20,000 craftsmen who worked for 22 years to complete this eternal tribute.
The Taj arose during the golden age of the Mughal Empire under Shah Jahan's rule (1628-1658). The design blends Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles, incorporating precious stones from throughout Asia—jasper from Punjab, jade from China, turquoise from Tibet, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, and sapphire from Sri Lanka.
Shah Jahan never fully enjoyed his masterpiece—he was imprisoned by his son and could only view the Taj from Agra Fort. The monument later suffered neglect during the empire's decline and was almost demolished during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The original Persian-style gardens were redesigned by the British into the European lawns seen today.
This monument has transcended its origins to become a universal symbol of India, recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taking this picture was not easy. Hundreds of people were lined up for the same shot. You have to wait patiently, act quickly, and make no mistakes. If you take longer than 5 seconds, impatient tourists start shouting at you!