Taj Mahal
Ustad Ahmad Lahauri · Agra, India · 1653
The Taj Mahal is a monumental mausoleum located in Agra, India, commissioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Completed in 1653, it stands as a celebrated example of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles. Its design is characterized by perfect symmetry, a large white marble dome, and prominent minarets at each corner. The complex includes a mosque, a guest house, and extensive gardens, all meticulously planned. The intricate pietra dura inlays of precious and semi-precious stones decorate the white marble surfaces, depicting floral motifs and calligraphic verses from the Quran. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized for its aesthetic beauty and as a symbol of eternal love.