Taj Mahal  - for many it is known as a symbol of India combining Islamic, Persian and Indian styles of art and architecture.  It is considered a cultural jewel, an is one of UNESCO's Wold Heritage Sites.

The name Taj Mahal comes from Persian/Urdu and means "Crown of palaces". It is a mausoleum built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal - an empress known for her beauty and grace, loved by all, but most by her husband.

It was built in the period when India was part of the Mughal (also known as Mogul) Empire, which existed from 1526 through 1757.   At the peak of its power, the Mughal Empire controlled most of the Indian subcontinent - extending from Bengal in the east to Balochistan in the West, Kashmir in the north to the Kaveri basin in the south. Its population was estimated between 110 and 150 million. 

Taj Mahal was erected during the rule of the fifth emperor - Shah Jahan.  The reign Shah Jahan was the golden age of Mughal architecture and arts. Many famous cultural monuments such as Pearl Mosque, Red Fort, Jama Majid of Delhi and Lahore Fort were constructed in that time period. 

In 1631, Shah Jahan was grief stricken by the loss of his favorite consort - his third wife Arjumand Manu, better know as Mumtaz Mahal (the chosen one of the palace). 

Mumtaz was known for her compassion, beauty and grace. And although she was his 3rd wife, he was so taken by her that he showed very little interest in his other wives.  And according to the court chronicler, Motamid Khan, his relationship with his other wives ""had nothing more than the status of marriage. The intimacy, deep affection, attention and favour which His Majesty had for the Cradle of Excellence (Mumtaz) exceeded by a thousand times what he felt for any other." Their 19 years long marriage was deep and passionate.  They had fourteen children together, but seven of them died at birth or at very young age. 

Mumtaz was his constant companion and he trusted her immensely.  She also had great influence on him, often intervening on behalf of the poor.

In 1631 Mumtaz Mahal was once again accompanying her beloved on his fighting campaign, while pregnant with their 14th child.  Sadly, she died while giving birth.

Shah Jahan was devastated by this loss, and some say he did not leave his room for two months.  Some chronicles say he went into secluded mourning for a year.  Upon his return he had aged immensely - his hair turned white and his back became bent. 

In remembrance of Mumtaz Mahal - a beautiful and unique person according to many - he began the construction of Taj Mahal. Starting in 1632, the monument was completed  in 1653, thus taking 21 years.

Five years after the completion of Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan became ill which prompted a battle for power between his sons. At the end of this battle, his third son Aurangzeb usurped command of the Empire, and even after Shah Jahan recovered from his illness, Aurangzeb  declared him unfit to rule and placed him under house arrest, where he spent 8 consecutive years of his life.  Jahan's and Mumtaz's first daughter cared for her father until his death.

Shah Jahan passed away at the age of 74 and was buried in the mausoleum next to his wife.

Every facet of Taj Mahal is a masterpiece. Here you can see many of the finest techniques of Islamic and Hindu art and craftsmanship, and is decorated with calligraphy of Persian poems and passages from the Qu'ran.

Taj Mahal is built mainly out of white marble.  The interior decoration of Taj Mahal features intricate inlaying of precious and semiprecious gemstones.

The Taj Mahal complex is comprised of multiple structure and includes a beautiful 980 ft garden.

Some believe that Shah Jahan was planning to build an identical Taj Mahal across the Yamuna river made out of black marble. The white Taj Mahal would have been for Mumtaz, while the black one would have been for Shan Jahan himself. A a beautiful  bridge would have joined the two.