Facts About Taj Mahal That Will Shock You
1. Construction Period
The Taj Mahal was built incredibly fast for its complex beauty and grandeur. An estimated 20,000 artists, workers, and craftsmen worked for just 22 years, from 1632 to 1653, to finish this architectural marvel.
2. Altering Hues
The Taj Mahal's constantly shifting colours are among its most captivating features. The famous white marble monument seems to take on varied colours depending on the time of day and the sunlight, from a gentle pinkish tinge in the morning to a bright golden glow at sunset.
3. Complete Symmetry
The Taj Mahal's perfect symmetry is well known and a credit to the architects' creativity. The monument's precise alignment creates the illusion of perfect harmony from every angle, despite its immense scale.
4. The Optical Deception
Constructed with a little tilt outward, the minarets encircling the main mausoleum preserve the Taj Mahal's symmetrical aspect. By using this architectural style, the main structure's integrity is preserved in the case of an earthquake as the minarets will fall away from it.
5. Priceless Stones
Despite common misconception, the Taj Mahal's elaborate inlay work is made of carefully carved semi-precious gemstones placed into the marble, not paint. These accentuate the monument's grandeur and include jade, crystal, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and even diamonds.
6. Secret Symbols
While the Taj Mahal's exterior is decorated with elaborate floral designs and Quranic inscriptions, portions from the Quran written in exquisite calligraphy are concealed within the mausoleum. It is thought that these texts illustrate concepts of heaven and heavenly recompense.
7. Dangers to Historical Preservation
The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, yet there are several dangers to its preservation, such as groundwater depletion, air pollution, and the effects of tourism. To lessen these difficulties and guarantee the monument's survival for upcoming generations, efforts are being made.