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Taj Mahal Plan - The Taj Mahal in Agra is true example of love and poetic
expression but the Taj Mahal Plan bears testimony
to Mughal craftsmen who were able to transform feelings
into white marble.
The Taj Mahal design shows influence of Hindu,Persian
and also earlier Mughal Architecture . The monument
is set up in a huge garden spilt into four parts and
is thus called Charbagh .
This garden or Charbagh has pathways which are at higher
level , sunken flower beds,rows of trees, marvelous
fountains and the pool which reflects the exquisite
picture of the Taj Mahal.
The four parts of the garden are divided into 16 flowerbeds
or parterres.
The water of the marble tank situated in the center
of the Charbagh relects the Taj Mahal.
The earlier description of Charbagh depicts an abundance
of roses , daffodils,fruit trees etc , though the garden
lost much of its vegetation and when the british came
to India they transformed the look to that of English
lawns.
Taj Mahal Plan - The Taj Mahal is surrounded by crenellated wall on
all its three sides. These walls are constructed of
red sandstones. There are other mausoleums outside this
wall including that of Shah Jahan's other wives.
You will find columned arcades much in resemblance
to Hindu temples in the inner side of the three walls.
Then there are domed kiosks or Chattris and smaller
buildings as well.
The gateway of Taj Mahal is a magnificent structure
of red sandstone with archways depicting calligraphy.
You will find here good use of bas relief, pietra dura
decorations and adorning floral motifs. The ceilings
and walls are decorated with intricate geometric designs.
There are two identical buildings on the far end of
the complex of which the western building is a mosque.
Its floor are laid with 569 prayer rugs crafted in black
marble.While the other one serves as Jawab or answer
. It is supposed to be architectural balance and may
have been used as guesthouse. You will find here geometric
designs on the floors.
The main attraction the layout of Taj Mahal is the
white marble tomb which is a building created in symmetry
with iwan, archways and domes.
The Taj Mahal is set on platform which is 6.6 meters
(20 ft) high and has an area of 93.9 sq. meters (313
sq ft). The corner minarets are 41.1 meters (137 ft)
high. The main structure is 62 meters (186 ft) on each
side.
The base structure is a cube with chamfers as edges
. A huge pishtaq, or vaulted archway, frames the iwan,
with identical arch-shaped balcony above.
There are additional pishtaqs on either side of the
arch. This motif of stacked pishtaqs is you will also
find in the chamfered area.
The design is completely symmetrical.Four minarets,
one at each corner of the raised platform , facing the
chamfered corners, surround the tomb.
These minarets are 40 m in height and are perfect example
of architectural balance and symmetry.
Each minaret is further divided into three equal parts
by two working balconies that ring the tower. You will
find at the top a final balcony surmounted by a chattri
that reflects the similar design of those on the tomb.
The marble dome over the tomb is the most splendid
structure , the striking feature is its height is same
as that of the building. This dome is often referred
as
Onion Dome. There are lotus design and a guilded finial
resembling Hindu trident on the top.
The finial provides the perfect synchronization of
Hindu and Islamic decorations with typical Islamic motif
,moon, whose horns point to the sky resembling the trident
of Lord Shiva
There are four chattris or smaller domes surrounding
the main dome.
The gleaming white marble of the mausoleum, is totally
contrasted by the a pair red sandstone buildings. The
water pathway and beautiful fountains join the gateway
and the tomb in perfect symmetry.
Simply the Taj Mahal's plan can be called sheer artistry
and symmetry , not one of the structure of the copmpex
can be called out of sync with the other.
The artisan truly weaved a harmony of love in the lifeless
stones so to say.
Come and experience the wonder of Taj Mahal with TourofTajMahal.com
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