the beautiful taj mahal history Structural Details and Components of Taj Mahal

INTRODUCTION
The Taj Mahal is an enormous mausoleum complex commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his beloved wife. Constructed over a 20-year period on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, the famed complex is one of the most outstanding examples of Mughal architecture, which combined Indian, Persian and Islamic influences. At its center is the Taj Mahal itself, built of shimmering white marble that seems to change color depending on the daylight. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, it remains one of the world’s most celebrated structures and a stunning symbol of India’s rich history.
Structural Details of Taj Mahal

1. On a platform 22' high and 313' square. Each tower is 133 feet tall
   Building is 186 feet high and 70 wide.
2. Corner minarets are 137' tall. Main structure 186' on a side, dome to 187'.
3. The mausoleum is 57 m (190 ft) square in plan.
4. "The central inner dome is 24.5 m (81 ft) high and 17.7 m (58 ft) in diameter, but is surmounted by an outer shell nearly 61 m (200).
5. The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon.
6. The architectural design uses the
   interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and symmetry of architectural elements.
7. Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet.
8. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers.
9. The four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each.
10. The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper.
11. The main archways, chiseled with passages from the Holy Qur’an and the bold scroll work of flowery pattern, give a captivating charm to its beauty.
12. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration.