Taj Mahal
Love at first sight. Such a sensation does exist as one approaches the purely, white, marble Taj Mahal and is overtaken by its immense size and beauty [Fig. 1]. The Taj Mahal can be referred to as a symbol of eternal love since Shah Jahan built it for his princess upon her death in 1631 A.D. Located in Agra, India, and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World; the Taj Mahal was built by Prince Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his wife Empress Mumtaz Mahal. The funerary complex is located on a plot of land along the banks of the Yamuna River and it encompasses more than forty-two acres of land. Shah Jahan is said to have bought this piece of land either for its peacefulness or for its spectacular view. The source of the name "Taj Mahal" is unclear, however it is believed that the name translates into "Crown Palace," and it is believed that is what given this name as an abbreviation of the empress' name, Mumtaz Mahal. As all the small details come together, one is overtaken by the costliness and large quantities of materials used, from the marble to the gemstones. The first image that might come to one's mind at the mention of the Taj Mahal is the central domed building, however, true appreciation can
Since all the rooms are adjoining on their respective floors, one can simply move from room to room admiring the different designs. And once again, the significance of the Taj Mahal is brought to light by the use of calligraphy, which is considered the highest level of artistic expression in the Muslim world. Once inside, one catches a glimpse of the two-story structure consisting of eight rooms, which encircle the central chamber one would be standing in. This reflection of natural light changes the emphasis of light in the Taj Mahal throughout the different times of day and seasons of the year. The sepulcher is richly decorated with calligraphy and gemstones inlaid into the white marble. It is said that this type of architectural project is a characteristic of Shah Jahan's reign. " For example, in the morning the Taj Mahal is a light shade of pink, while in the evening it is a milky white, and finally at night it is golden under the moonlight. On the first floor of the central chamber, one sees passages from the Koran written in calligraphy, as well as panels with sculpted flowers. In addition, the spandrels of the arches are richly decorated with gemstones that are cut to shape and embedded into the white marble. " Romance of the Taj Mahal (1989): 53-70 . Framing the central dome are four tall minarets, which are situated on all four corners of the platform, ascending to the heavens like prayer [Fig. Additionally, on the white marble platform are two red sandstone buildings, which are identical to each other, plus four small kiosks cluster around the dome.
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Acceptance Essays
