The
Mughals as are known are most famous and well known for their expertise in their
architectural passion, which is evident from the numerous majestic monuments
they built across India through the various states and regions that have lives
through the tough times and have with stood all hardship, whether it was a natural
calamity or a battle they have stood by.
The Mughals were very calculative and systematic in their architectural plan
of building a monument and that is very evident in the wonder built by Shah
Jahan the Taj Mahal. But the one that strikes out is the magnificent Taj Mahal
in Agra, built by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Taj Mahal not only marks the zenith of Mughal architecture but is also the culmination
of tomb architecture, which began with the building of the mausoleum of emperor
Humayun (the second Mughal emperor and the great grandfather of Shahjahan).
Renowned for its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, the Taj Mahal
is synonymous with India and is undoubtedly the epitome of Indian tourism overall.
The structure of Taj Mahal adheres to the Islamic style (Mughal style) of architecture,
very different and unique, which flourished in India during the medieval period.
The Islamic style of architecture is also referred to as the Indo-Islamic style
of architecture.
This magnificent monument is set around a Charbagh or 'four garden' plan, which
is split by watercourses - a reflection of the Persian style. The Taj Mahal
itself is not set within the Charbagh but is located towards the far end of
the enclosure near the bank of River Yamuna.
Taj
Mahal is built on a high plinth, it has on all four side four tapering minarets
at each corner. At the center of this plinth is an octagonal structure comprising
of a central hall, with four smaller halls grouped around it.
A central bulbous dome stands atop the roof of the Taj that is surrounded by
four chhatris (domed canopy, supported by pillars, mainly seen in Hindu or local
monuments and sometimes in Islamic buildings).
The Taj Mahal is a two-storied structure, each having arched recesses with a
highly decorated Diwan in the middle. The tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah jahan
are actually located in the basement, while their replicas are placed directly
above in the upper hall.
The
Mughals as are known are most famous and well known for their expertise in their
architectural passion, which is evident from the numerous majestic monuments
they built across India through the various states and regions that have lives
through the tough times and have with stood all hardship, whether it was a natural
calamity or a battle they have stood by. 
Taj
Mahal is built on a high plinth, it has on all four side four tapering minarets
at each corner. At the center of this plinth is an octagonal structure comprising
of a central hall, with four smaller halls grouped around it.