The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and a symbol of eternal love and devotion expressed in marble. The marvelous structure was built by Shah Jahan – third in the line-up of Mughal emperors – in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died during childbirth. Construction work began in 1630, and masons, master craftsmen and calligraphers were recruited from Persia and Europe to complete the mammoth task. It took 12 years and a workforce of 20,000 labourers to build the mausoleum, which stands like a jewel in the middle of vast, emerald gardens. A monument with various moods, the Taj is said to look completely different at different times of the day. The most amazing sight is that of the Taj on a full-moon night.

See Kenneth Champeon’s One Man’s Love: The Taj Mahal

Posted by ata India