The Taj Mahal, often described as the jewel of India’s architectural heritage, stands gracefully on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra. This masterpiece is not just an iconic monument but also a symbol of eternal love, art, and devotion. Millions of travelers from around the world visit Agra every year to witness its splendor and understand the emotional story that lies behind its creation.
To truly appreciate the Taj Mahal, one must dive deeper into its history—who built it, when it was built, why it was created, and the fascinating details about Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
Who Built the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Known as the “King of the World,” Shah Jahan was the fifth ruler of the Mughal dynasty and a great patron of architecture.
He envisioned the Taj Mahal not just as a mausoleum but as a timeless tribute to love and beauty. To bring his vision to life, Shah Jahan invited some of the finest architects, artisans, and craftsmen of his time. The chief architect is believed to be Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, but the construction involved over 20,000 workers, engineers, calligraphers, and laborers from across India and Central Asia.
The Taj Mahal stands today as the ultimate representation of Shah Jahan’s vision of art and devotion—an eternal reminder of his bond with Mumtaz Mahal.
When Was the Taj Mahal Built?
The foundation of the Taj Mahal was laid in 1632, soon after the death of Mumtaz Mahal. Construction continued for around 22 years, with the main mausoleum completed in 1648 and the surrounding complex, gardens, and decorative details finished by 1653.
The timeline of its construction is often cited as:
- 1631 – Mumtaz Mahal passes away in Burhanpur.
- 1632 – Shah Jahan commissions the Taj Mahal in Agra.
- 1643 – Main structure completed.
- 1648–1653 – Complex, gardens, mosques, and finishing touches added.
Thus, the Taj Mahal was built during the height of the Mughal Empire’s wealth and cultural prosperity, ensuring the finest quality materials and artistry.
If you’re planning a Taj Mahal tour, visiting the monument allows you to step back in time and witness this grandeur firsthand.
Why Was the Taj Mahal Built?
The Taj Mahal was built primarily as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal, the emperor’s favorite wife, who tragically died during childbirth in 1631. But beyond being a tomb, it was Shah Jahan’s way of expressing his undying love and grief.
Mumtaz Mahal was not just his queen but also his trusted companion, who traveled with him on military campaigns and political journeys. Her death left the emperor devastated, and he vowed to create a structure that would keep her memory alive forever.
Thus, the Taj Mahal became:
- A symbol of eternal love.
- A place of spiritual peace and reflection.
- A demonstration of Mughal architectural brilliance.
For centuries, the Taj Mahal has represented love, beauty, and devotion—earning it a place among the Seven Wonders of the World.
How Was the Taj Mahal Built?
The construction of the Taj Mahal remains one of the most remarkable engineering achievements in history. Here’s how it was accomplished:
- Planning & Architecture
- Chief architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.
- Influences: Persian, Mughal, and Indian styles.
- Perfectly symmetrical design with gardens, fountains, and gates.
- Materials Used
- White marble from Makrana, Rajasthan.
- Semi-precious stones like jade, turquoise, lapis lazuli, sapphire, and carnelian inlaid for decoration.
- Red sandstone for surrounding structures.
- Workforce
- More than 20,000 artisans and workers from India, Persia, and the Ottoman Empire.
- Skilled calligraphers inscribed Quranic verses on the walls.
- Craftsmen created intricate floral designs and latticework.
- Engineering Brilliance
- The Taj Mahal sits on a massive platform with deep foundations to prevent sinking.
- The four minarets lean slightly outward to protect the main dome in case of an earthquake.
Visiting through one of the best Taj Mahal tours today, travelers can still admire this perfect blend of architecture, science, and art that took decades to achieve.
How Many Wives Did Shah Jahan Have?
While Shah Jahan is remembered most for his eternal love for Mumtaz Mahal, he had other wives as well, following the customs of Mughal royalty. Historical records suggest that Shah Jahan had three wives:
- Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Banu Begum) – His chief consort and greatest love.
- Kandahari Begum – His first wife, whom he married for political alliance.
- Izz-un-Nissa Begum – Also known as Akbarabadi Mahal.
However, Mumtaz Mahal was the most significant in his life. She bore him 14 children, and her influence over Shah Jahan was unmatched. The Taj Mahal stands today as proof of the depth of his affection for her above all others.
Who Was Mumtaz Mahal?
Mumtaz Mahal, originally named Arjumand Banu Begum, was born in 1593 into a Persian noble family. She married Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) in 1612, and their love story became one of the most celebrated tales in history.
Unlike many royal marriages of the era, theirs was a true partnership. She accompanied him on his military campaigns, gave him valuable political advice, and was his emotional anchor. Known for her beauty, compassion, and intelligence, she was deeply respected in the Mughal court.
Sadly, she died in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child, Gauhara Begum, in Burhanpur. Her death broke Shah Jahan’s spirit, and it was this grief that inspired the creation of the Taj Mahal.
Today, both Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal lie together in the Taj Mahal’s crypt, fulfilling his wish to rest beside his beloved queen for eternity.
Architectural Features of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a marvel of design, and its features continue to amaze architects and travelers alike:
- The Dome – The central onion-shaped dome rises 73 meters high and is flanked by four smaller domes.
- The Minarets – Four slender minarets at each corner, slightly tilted outward.
- Calligraphy – Exquisite Quranic verses inscribed in black marble.
- Pietra Dura Work – Precious stones inlaid to form flowers and geometric patterns.
- Symmetry – The entire structure and gardens are perfectly symmetrical, a hallmark of Mughal design.
Interesting Facts About the Taj Mahal
- The Taj Mahal changes color depending on the time of day—pink in the morning, white in the afternoon, and golden under moonlight.
- More than 1,000 elephants were used to transport marble and stones.
- British soldiers once removed precious gemstones during colonial rule.
- Shah Jahan had planned a black marble mausoleum opposite the Taj Mahal, but it was never built.
- It attracts 7–8 million visitors every year.
Legacy of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is not just an architectural masterpiece—it is a story frozen in stone. Its design, history, and symbolism continue to inspire lovers, poets, and travelers from across the world.
- It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Attracts 7–8 million visitors annually.
- A symbol of India’s cultural and historical pride.
For anyone planning India tours, the Taj Mahal remains the most unforgettable highlight. Whether at sunrise when its marble glows golden or at full moon when it shines silver, the monument captures hearts like no other.
Conclusion
The Taj Mahal answers not just the question of who built it, when, and why, but also tells the world about an emperor’s devotion, the grandeur of Mughal architecture, and the undying legacy of love.
Built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj remains the finest example of art and affection in the world. Every intricate carving, every shimmering stone, and every story behind its walls whispers of eternal love.
So, whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or simply someone who wishes to witness true romance carved in marble, the Taj Mahal is a journey you must experience once in a lifetime.