Today we are going to know 20 curious facts about the Taj Mahal, one of the most impressive buildings that we can visit today and, without a doubt, the best-known monument in India. A monument created of love, a tomb for eternity and a history and architecture that many want to know and visit even once in their life.
All that and much more is the Taj Mahal, which is why we invite you to meet him Below, we explore some interesting facts that we hope will spark the interest this complex has aroused in millions of people throughout its history.
20 curious facts about the Taj Mahal
In today's article we want to tell you 20 curious facts about the Taj Mahal, that majestic mausoleum is one of the most iconic monuments in India. The Taj Mahal complex includes architecture, gardens, water features, walls and a monumental entrance, all creating a complex that reflects serenity and beauty.
For all of the above, and everything that we are going to discover below, it was declared been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
20 curious facts to know the monument and its history
About its construction
1. Its construction was ordered to be carried out by Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to her fourteenth child. According to legend, Shah Jahan was so devastated by the death of his wife that he decided to build her this beautiful mausoleum as a token of her eternal love. To do this, he brought together the best architects, craftsmen and workers of the empire.
2. The design combines Islamic, Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural elements, creating a unique style called Mughal. This style has become a symbol of Indian culture, as can be explored in the Hindu culture.
3. Construction began in 1632 and would end in 1653, so it would take 21 years in the making.
4. The white marble that covers the construction was brought from the city of Makrana, located 300 km away.
5. The approximate cost of carrying out such an undertaking had to be around one billion rupees, which would be about eleven million euros at the exchange rate.
6. Although it is not one hundred percent insured, Its main architect is believed to have been Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, but the names of other craftsmen and architects of the time also resonate.
7. At the top of the Taj Mahal, there is a bulb-shaped dome, covered with thin sheets of gold that make the sunlight reflect and shine.
About the monument
8. It is a funeral set of white marble and details with precious stones located in India, in Agra, on the banks of the Yamuna River, the state of Uttar Pradesh.
9. The main mausoleum houses the Tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan.
10. Over the years, the Taj Mahal has suffered due to pollution and the large presence of tourists who want to contemplate it. For this reason, several restoration and conservation works have been carried out.
11. Its gardens are full of fountains and water channels that reflect the image of architecture of the building creating a beautiful visual effect and one of the photographs that everyone wants to take with them as a souvenir.
12. During the period when India was under British rule, it is said that The generals planned to dismantle the Taj Mahal and sell its pieces Of marble. Luckily, if this is true, they did not finally do it.
13. During the Second World War, it was believed that the monument would be in danger and a scaffolding around to protect it from possible bombing. In the end protection was not necessary and the building remained undamaged.
About his influence
14. Its beauty and harmony has inspired artists, poets and writers throughout the centuries, who have turned it into a symbol of love and eternal beauty. He has been described as "a tear on the cheek of time."
15. Considered the largest example of Mughal architecture in India, standing out for the elegance of its construction and the attention to every tiny detail to achieve perfection. A marvel like others that can be read in this article.
16. Known and Architecturally appreciated for its arches, domes and minarets perfectly balanced and aligned.
17. It is considered one of the new "seven wonders" of the modern world, being chosen through a survey conducted in 2007. More about these wonders can be found at .
18. Every year, Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to appreciate the architecture of the Taj Mahal and admire its beauty, understand its significance, and learn about its history. It is currently considered one of the most visited and famous monuments in the world. A symbol of love and devotion, it has endured throughout the centuries; its history continues and captivates all who visit.
19. It has served as setting for several films of Bollywood and Hollywood, which has led it to become an iconic place for the film industry and popular culture.
About its color change throughout the day
20. Depending on the time of day we are, we can see that the Taj Mahal has a pink, white or gold tone. We have mentioned that the building is full of white marble, it is precisely this material that allows the monument to change color. For the viewer it becomes a chromatic spectacle.
With the first light of day the building reflects a pink tone which is known as the "golden hour", since it seems that the whole thing is closer to a fantastic or dream world than to the real world. The light of dawn reflecting on the marble returns that pink tone to the viewer.
As the day progresses, pink gives way to white, until reaching a dazzling white at the sun's zenith in the day sky. The sunlight illuminates every detail and makes it shine intensely.
The arrival of dusk brings out golden tones In the building, there comes that moment when the sun sets and orange, yellow, and gold hues cover the sky. The marble reflects all these tones to the point where it seems to merge with the sky itself.
