The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It was built in Agra, India, almost 400 years ago. The white marble building shines in the sunlight and is known for its perfect shape, artistic beauty, and the love story behind it.
The Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan to honor his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. He wanted to build a tomb so beautiful that the world would never forget her. Construction began in 1632 and took over 20 years to finish. More than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants helped build it!
The building is made mostly of white marble brought from faraway places. Workers also used red sandstone, precious stones, and crystals. The marble changes color depending on the time of day—it looks pink in the morning, white in the afternoon, and golden under the moonlight.
Scientifically, the Taj Mahal is very advanced. It was built on a special platform to protect it from floods. Its four tall minarets (towers) are slightly tilted outward, so they wouldn’t fall on the tomb if an earthquake happened. The building is perfectly symmetrical, which means one side looks exactly like the other.
Artistically, the Taj Mahal is full of amazing details. The walls are decorated with flowers and patterns made from inlaid stones like turquoise and jade. Verses from the Quran are written in beautiful calligraphy on the walls. The dome in the center looks like an upside-down pearl and is surrounded by four smaller domes.
The Taj Mahal is more than just a tomb—it’s a symbol of love, art, and amazing architecture. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Sources:
National Geographic Kids. “Taj Mahal.” https://kids.nationalgeographic.com
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. “Taj Mahal.” https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252
Smithsonian Magazine. “Secrets of the Taj Mahal.” https://www.smithsonianmag.com