THE TAJ

TAJ MAHAL – ON THE BANKS OF YAMUNA

DID YOU KNOW??

Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

The construction of this mausoleum began in 1632 and was completed in 1653.

It is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture with a combination of elements from Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles.

The structure is so designed that water is required to maintain the foundation of the Taj.

It was constructed so carefully that its weight is uniformly distributed and only strongest bonding materials were used. For the transportation of the construction materials, more than 1,000 elephants were employed.

As many as 28 different varieties of semi-precious and precious stones were used to adorn the Taj with exquisite inlay work. Many precious stones and Lapis Lazuli (a semi-precious stone) were ripped off from its walls by the Britishers during the Indian rebellion of 1857.

Taj Mahal was built in stages, with the plinth and the tomb taking up roughly 15 years. Building of minarets, mosque, jawab, and gateway took additional 5 years to be completed.

In 1983 it was decided as a world heritage site by UNESCO.

When the votes for the New Seven Wonders of the World turned in, the Taj Mahal had won a hundred million votes, putting it high on the list.

EBONY IN DANGER

The wooden base made of ebony was used because of Yamuna’s presence and constant moisture is required to keep wood strong and preserved, which is now threatened. The perennial river runs almost dry in the summer months and this could play havoc with monument’s foundation. The finest ebony which was used requires a steady flow of water to ensure that it stays firm instead of expanding and contracting. If this shrinking of water level persists, the wood may shrink causing cracks in the monument. There is also a depletion of water due to its use in industries, dams and canals.

In 1810, cracks were noticed in the Taj which was more severe than in 1652. Also the northern side of Taj was found tilted by 3.5 cms towards the river side. Though pollution level in the air is decreasing, Yamuna continues to be more polluted.