Taj Mahal, Golden Triangle

Less than 2mi (3.2km) from the fort is the magnificent and world-renowned monument, the Taj Mahal. Built by Shah Jahan over a period of 22 years, the Taj is a memorial to Mumtaz Mahal, his favourite wife, companion of 19 years and mother of his 14 children. Theirs was a deep love affair that lasted throughout their entire marriage. She was his closest adviser, travelled everywhere with him and even when he was exiled for a short time she was by his side. Mumtaz died in childbirth, leaving Shah in mourning for the remainder of his days. 

Her body was buried near the Yamuna River and he would visit her grave once a week, when one day he decided it was the ideal place to build her the grandest tomb, using marble from Makrana, about 200mi (320km) to the west. It was transported in large blocks on carts pulled by buffaloes in teams of 20-30 animals. At the site, earth ramps were built and ropes with pulleys were used to drag the stone to the top of the construction. Masons were hired to fit the stones together and smooth the surfaces. 

Over time, the building of the tomb became part of a much larger complex. The grand mausoleum was at the centre, sitting on a marble platform that was on top of a much bigger red sandstone plinth. The tomb was topped with four small domes and a massive central one shaped like a giant pearl. On the corners of the marble platform are four minarets, each 130ft (39m) tall. Flanking the marble tomb are two identical red sandstone  buildings. To the west is a mosque and on the opposite side was a complementary building that was used for housing important guests. 

The Taj has some of the most spectacular and intricate decorations in the world. Shah loved jewellery and often designed pieces for himself and wore them on his body and his turban. As such, he wanted the Taj to sparkle with gemstones which were inlaid in forms of flowers, especially tulips which were his favourite. Other floral arabesques and reliefs fill various spaces on the walls. 

Black marble was used to inlay calligraphy with quotes from the Quran. Inside the tomb are the cenotaphs of Shah and Mumtaz and at one time carpets and cushions were part of the decor. 

In front of the Taj is a walled garden laid out in the usual quadrilateral design with water channels criss-crossing. At the centre was a large marble pool with fountains, representing the place where human and divine meet. Fruit trees and scented flowers were planted in the gardens creating a vibrant, aromatic experience. These were replaced by the British with lawn. 

The Taj Mahal was added to UNESCO’s list in 1983.