Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal was the most anticipated site and it does not disappoint. There were lots of people but the structure speaks for itself. I just took a quick look through some of my photos and I think it brings our beauty and love in everyone who connects with it in some way.

The story of the Taj Mahal

The Empress Mumtaz was the Emperor’s favorite wife. She gave birth to 14 children in the 19 years they spent together. She was pregnant and insisted that she accompany the Emperor to a battle and gave birth while traveling. Sadly, she died during childbirth. She had 3 dying wishes of the Emperor, to take care of her family, not marry again, and build something to show the world of his love for her.

Building the Taj Mahal 

The Taj Mahal is the mausoleum that was build over many years to show the world of his love for her. It was designed by a Persian architect and took 22 years to build in the 1600’s. It is constructed of the finest Indian translucent marble, brought by elephants from Rajasthan. There are semiprecious stones inlaid in the marble. It has a water foundation and a special type of wood which has made it resistant to earthquakes. It is completely symmetrical. The four pillars angled out by 2 degree so if they ever fell, they would fall outwards.

Marble 

After visiting the Taj Mahal, we visited a marble shop that is run and operated by the dependents of the same artisans who built the Taj Mahal. We then saw a dramatic Bollywood play about the Taj Mahal love story. I really enjoyed the Indian costumes and dancing, our tour guide got front row seats for us. It was New Year’s Eve and the play ended with a surprise New Year’s Eve performance which was impressive.