Taj Mahal Facts

The popularity of TajMahal epitomizes the deep history India’s royalty making it recognizable among inhabitants of India and the world at large. The engineering concept used in the construction is so amazing such that it triggers the urge to learn about facts about TajMahal while vivid pictures of the structure remain in your memory. In the section that follows you will not only learn but also appreciate thought provoking facts about TajMahal. The facts will help you appreciate the rich history of this magnificent building.

1. The Taj Mahal (Crown of Palaces ) is an iconic mausoleum in India
2. Taj Mahal is admired by many in India for its artistic impression. It is a famous tourist attraction center for millions of visitors. It is popular landmark for the history and royalty in India
3. It is situated in Agra city of Uttar Predesh to the north of India
4. Over 22,000 laborers were used in the construction of this amazing building. To work on and finish the construction process effectively, the laborers were organized into construction engineers, painters, embroidery specialists and stone cutters among others.
5. To help with the provision of the construction materials, over 1,000 elephants were used in the transportation exercise.
6. The actual height of the building is 171 meters or 561 feet.
7. Interestingly, the four sides of the building are perfectly similar. They reflect and mirror one another using the architectural principle of self replicating geometrical symmetry.
8. The large white dome (onion dome), which is sorrounded by 4 smaller domes, is one among the many of the Taj Mahal’s most recognizable features. It is about 35 meters or 115 feet in height.
10. To magnify the beauty of the building, the structure is surrounded by gardens and other significant buildings to complement the function of the Taj Mahal. Such other buildings include a mosque and guesthouse that covers over 17 hectares of land.
11. The building was essentially built to commemorate Mumtaz Mahal, the most favorite wife of the Emperor of India. She was the third wife to the Emperor.
12. The death of the queen devastated the Emperor such that his beard and hairs turned snow white within a month!
13. Interestingly, the construction lasted 17 years before it was finally completed and put to its official use.
14. Due to the high favoritism the legendary Emperor Shah Jahan enjoyed with his third queen, it is believed that he had planned to construct another TajMahal on the other side of the river but his sons started a war which interrupted the plans.
15. Interestingly, the building changes color depending on the time of the day. It can take on the pinkish hue in the morning, change to white in the evening and may be close the day with golden color. The interpretation to these changes relate to the varying moods of females in particular.
16. The perimeter wall surrounding the TajMahal was built using precious stones. The British targeted and ripped off the wall back in 1857 during the Indian rebellion.