Taj Mahal Architecture
TAJ MAHAL - THE MAUSOLEUM
The
central path within the garden leads you to the Taj Mahal, which is placed on
a high plinth (platform). The plinth is 6.7 m (21.98 ft) high and covers an
area of 95 sq m (1,022.57 square feet). A double staircase facing the entrance
to the tomb is the only way, which takes you on top of it.
This plinth or pedestal is an ideal place from where you can have a panoramic
view of the surroundings, which includes the lush green Charbagh in the front
and the riverfront at the backside. From here, you can also admire the white
towering structure of the Taj.
There are four elegant tapering minarets, one on each corner of the plinth.
Each of the minarets is 41.6 m (136.48 ft) high and is capped by a small cupola.
The minarets, not only balance the main structure of the mausoleum, but are
also placed in such a way that in case of a mishap, they do not fall over the
main edifice. Each pillar has a letter written on it, which put together spell
the word ar-rahman (all merciful) - one of the many names of Allah.
The main structure of the Taj Mahal is square and is beveled at its corners.
Each side of the Taj Mahal is 56.6 m (185.69 ft) long. On each facade arched
recesses arranged in two stories flank a high iwan in the center. The top border
of the iwan on each side rises higher than the rest of façade, thus concealing
the neck of the dome behind it.
A central bulbous dome crowns the magnificent structure. This dome is further
surrounded by four chhatris (domed canopy, supported by pillars/cupola). Each
of which is topped by a small finial. The dome is an important component of
the Islamic style of architecture, as it is believed to be a link between heaven
and earth.
While the square structure of the edifice represents the material world, the
dome symbolizes the vault of heaven. The octagonal part symbolizes the transitional
phase between heaven and earth. The dome is topped by a brass finial, whose
tip rises to a height of 73 m above the ground. Above the finial is the realm
of transcendence.
The entire structure of the dome is designed as a replica of God’s throne
in paradise, where a gigantic pearl dome stands supported by four corner pillars.
According to Islam the rivers of grace flow through this dome. The outer walls
of the Taj Mahal are decorated in a number of places with shallow marble carving
apart from the elegant pietra dura work, which can be seen near arched recesses
and borders.
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AGRA - THE CITY OF TAJ MAHAL
