Taj Mahal

Identifier

Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Masons, marble workers, mosaicists, and decorators working under the supervision of Ustad Ahmad Lahori, architect of the emperor. 1632-1653 C.E.

Context

Calligrapher: Abdul Haqq Supervisor: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri white-and-red color scheme of the built complex may correspond with principles laid down in ancient Hindu texts—in which white stood for purity and the priestly class, and red represented the color of the warrior class

Content

Interior floor plan exhibits the hasht bishisht (eight levels) principle represents the eight levels of paradise Carved imagery is floral which connects to paradise theme Shah Jahan's funerary complex as well as the tombs of other Mughal nobles along with their attached gardens could be viewed from many angles along the river

Form

Medium: Stone masonry and marble with inlay of precious and semiprecious stones; gardens Rectangular Balance & harmony Monumental scale Entry has forecourt Grand splendor and symmetry, monumental inlaid gate and highly decorated red sandstone aligned along water channel Ornamental minarets Cross-axial plan

Function

Patron: Shah Jahan was the fifth ruler of the Mughal dynasty Divine Throne—the seat of God—on the Day of Judgment/Paradisiacal mansion Built so it serves as a resting place for his wife who died during birth of their fourteenth child called Luminous Tomb one white-marble mausoleum serves as mosque other one's purpose is unknown