The Taj Mahal is more than just a beautiful building; it is one of the most beautiful places and one of the best-known places in the world! It was constructed as a symbol of love, and this white marble beauty has a tale filled with love, emotion, secrets, and surprises. The Taj Mahal has a lot to offer, whether you've only seen it in photos or have been able to visit it in person! There is much more than meets the eye when it comes to the Taj Mahal. From colour changes and details you can't see to Fun Facts about this world wonder, you will discover 10 facts that are just as incredible as this world wonder itself!
Fun Facts About The Taj Mahal
1. The Taj Mahal Was Built as a Symbol of Eternal Love
The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took over 20,000 workers and over 22 years (from 1631-1653) to finish this great mausoleum located in Agra, India.
2. It Changes Colors Throughout the Day
What is unique about the Taj Mahal is how the appearance of the building changes, based on the light. In the morning, the building looks pinkish, and in the evening it looks milky white, and it looks golden in the moonlight. The changing colours were said to symbolise the changing mood of Mumtaz Mahal.
3. It Has an Overall Symmetrical Layout
Almost the entire layout is built with symmetry in mind, like the four minarets and the central dome of the Taj Mahal; it is not until you get to Shah Jahan's tomb (which was added later) that you do notice something out of symmetry.
4. The White Marble Came from Rajasthan
The glowing white marble used to build the Taj Mahal was transported from Makrana in Rajasthan, located over 300 km away. It was transported by thousands of oxen, elephants, and carts.
5. The Calligraphy Is Made of Precious Stones
The inscriptions in Arabic which you see on the walls of the Taj Mahal have not been painted; they have been inlaid using black marble, along with semi-precious stones like jade, jasper, turquoise and lapis lazuli in a pattern called 'pietra dura'.
6. The British Did Once Damage Gardens
As the British were a little less sympathetic than their Mughal predecessors, they altered the Mughal-style gardens of the Taj Mahal with their own landscaping in the style of their English lawns, which are still in place.
7. It’s a World Heritage Site
In 1983, the Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has become one of the most visited monuments in the world, with approximately eight million visitors annually.
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8. They Almost Sold It for Its Marble
In the 19th century, British officials were reportedly going to auction off the marble from the Taj Mahal. Fortunately, outcries from the public halted such an arrangement and preserved the monument.
9. It's Survived a Few Wars and Natural Disasters
The Taj Mahal has suffered wars, invasions, and natural threats but stands the test of time. During WWII, it was even covered with bamboo scaffolding to mask it from aerial bombers.
10. It's More than a Tomb
The Taj Mahal is more than a tomb, it is an artful Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural wonder. From the exceptionally decorated domes to its water features and beautiful gardens area, every part was created with respect to spirituality and artistic integrity.
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