Architecture of Taj Mahal
The Mughals originated from the arid regions of Central Asia. They never quiet
lost their longing for water and often created well laid out gardens with canals
and different waterworks. In the course of time they started building tombs,
which were located at the center of beautiful gardens. The Taj Mahal has an
impressive watercourse, which neatly divides the garden into four equal parts
and heightens the flawless symmetry of the entire complex.
The canals and waterworks within the Charbagh provide a grand reflection of
the Taj, further emphasizing the imagery of the paradise. The Muslims regard
the Koran as a mirror image of a tablet in heaven, while the ‘Tree of Life’
grows upside down in the garden within the paradise. The architects who built
the Taj Mahal made the canals and the waterworks in the garden, with the purpose
of generating an upside down image of the Taj, to gel with the divine inspiration.
After the completion of Taj Mahal each garden within the Charbagh was divided
into 16 flowerbeds, making a total of 64. It is said that each flowerbed was
planted with 400 plants. Trees were planted carefully in accordance with the
symmetry of the overall plan. The trees, which were generally preferred, were
either cypress (Cuprussus) (signifying death) or different fruit bearing trees
(signifying life). These trees housed some of the most exotic birds, all of
which added to the breathtaking environs of the Taj. The water channels crisscrossing
the garden used to be full of colorful fish of various species. Special care
was taken to maintain the garden, its waterworks as members of the royal family
frequented it and stayed in the guesthouse (mehmankhana) near it.
TAJ MAHAL - THE MAUSOLEUM
The central path within the garden leads you to the Taj Mahal, which is placed
on a high plinth (platform). The plinth is 6.7 m (21.98 ft) high and covers
an area of 95 sq m (1,022.57 square feet). A double staircase facing the entrance
to the tomb is the only way, which takes you on top of it. This plinth or pedestal
is an ideal place from where you can have a panoramic view of the surroundings,
which includes the lush green Charbagh in the front and the riverfront at the
backside. From here, you can also admire the white towering structure of the
Taj.
There are four elegant tapering minarets, one on each corner of the plinth.
Each of the minarets is 41.6 m (136.48 ft) high and is capped by a small cupola.
The minarets, not only balance the main structure of the mausoleum, but are
also placed in such a way that in case of a mishap, they do not fall over the
main edifice. Each pillar has a letter written on it, which put together spell
the word ar-rahman (all merciful) - one of the many names of Allah.
The main structure of the Taj Mahal is square and is beveled at its corners.
Each side of the Taj Mahal is 56.6 m (185.69 ft) long. On each facade arched
recesses arranged in two stories flank a high iwan in the center. The top border
of the iwan on each side rises higher than the rest of façade, thus concealing
the neck of the dome behind it.
A central bulbous dome crowns the magnificent structure. This dome is further
surrounded by four chhatris (domed canopy, supported by pillars/cupola). Each
of which is topped by a small finial. The dome is an important component of
the Islamic style of architecture, as it is believed to be a link between heaven
and earth. While the square structure of the edifice represents the material
world, the dome symbolizes the vault of heaven. The octagonal part symbolizes
the transitional phase between heaven and earth. The dome is topped by a brass
finial, whose tip rises to a height of 73 m above the ground. Above the finial
is the realm of transcendence. The entire structure of the dome is designed
as a replica of God’s throne in paradise, where a gigantic pearl dome stands
supported by four corner pillars. According to Islam the rivers of grace flow
through this dome. The outer walls of the Taj Mahal are decorated in a number
of places with shallow marble carving apart from the elegant pietra dura work,
which can be seen near arched recesses and borders.
The entrance to the tomb leads you to the central hall, which houses the false
tombs and has four small octagonal halls, grouped around it. The original graves
are located in a crypt, which is directly below the central hall. The four smaller
rooms were originally created for housing the graves of other members of the
royal family. The tomb of Mumtaz Mahal, in whose honor the Taj Mahal was built,
lies directly below the dome. The tomb is placed in such a manner that it is
in direct alignment with the main entrance. The tomb of Shahjahan is much larger
and is placed next to that of his beloved queen.
The tombs are decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work. Apart
from unexcelled inlay work the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal is inscribed by 99 different
names of Allah. It is said that the royal graves once laid inside a gem encrusted
gold railing, which was later removed and replaced by an octagonal, all marble
lattice (jali-perforated screen) screen of the most exquisite craftsmanship.
Delicate inlay work can be seen on the surface of the screen. The floral decorations
on the screen are amazing. Some flowers created on the screen are made up of
as many as 64 pieces. The different sections of the screen are carved out of
a single piece of marble. Various sections of the screen are joined together
with gilded fasteners and the entrance is fashioned out of jasper, in the Turkish
style.
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