Taj Mahal (1632–1653) The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural traditions, it achieves perfect symmetry along a central axis, flanked by gardens, a mosque, and a guesthouse. Its iconic dome, lotus finial, and four slender minarets frame a structure that changes hue with daylight—from pink at dawn to milky white at noon to golden under moonlight. Inlaid with semi-precious stones in intricate pietra dura patterns, every surface whispers elegance. The interior houses cenotaphs; the actual tombs lie below. Beyond romance, the Taj reflects Mughal power, cosmopolitan artistry, and spiritual ideals of paradise. UNESCO calls it “the jewel of Muslim art in India.” Despite pollution threats and overcrowding, it remains a universal emblem of love and loss—proof that grief, when channeled through beauty, can build eternity.
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