THE CAUSE OF THE TAJ
MUGHAL EMPRESS MUMTAZ MAHAL
TAJ MAHAL
A
SYMBOL
OF
ETERNAL
LOVE
THE MAKER OF THE TAJ
MUGHAL EMPEROR SHAJ JAHAN
In the Northern part of
India.
City: Agra, on the
banks of River Yamuna
State: Uttar Pradesh
Distance from New
Delhi: 204 km
The Taj Mahal also known as “The Taj” is a white marble Mausoleum located in Agra, India
on the banks of River Jamuna.
The Taj Mahal literally means “The Crown Palace”.
Built by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Mughal/Muslim art in India and
one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage."
The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing
several thousands (estimated 22,000) of artisans and craftsmen.
A very popular myth regarding the Taj Mahal is that all of the artisans and skilled
workers had their hands removed when the building was finally finished. This was to
ensure no other structure could compare to the magnificent Taj Mahal.
Another interesting Taj Mahal fact is that the building will appear to be a different
color depending on what time of day it is, and whether or not there is a moon at
night.
-a fine example of incredible symmetry
The Taj Mahal incorporates the design traditions of Persian architecture and
earlier Mughal architecture. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was the chief designer.
PLANT MOTIFS
The tomb is the central focus of the entire complex of the Taj Mahal.
This large, white marble structure stands on a square plinth and
consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped
doorway) topped by a large dome and finial.
CALLIGRAPHY
The symmetry of the structure, is perfect except for the interior tombs.
Tradition dictated that the tomb for the male must be larger than the one
for the female.
MINARET
One of the really fascinating Taj Mahal facts has to do with the
exterior pillars. These were placed at an outward tilt, so if an
earthquake occurred the fall of the pillars could be controlled.
PARCHINKARI
The exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal are among the finest in
Mughal architecture. The decorative elements were created by
applying paint, stucco, stone inlays, or carvings. The decorative
elements can be grouped into either calligraphy, abstract forms or
vegetative motifs.
PEOPLE
LOVE
TO
BE
PHOTOGRAPHED
IN
FRONT OF
THE TAJ
A man in prayerful meditation
A group of tourists from different parts of the world
A contemplating celebrity
Mickey & Minnie in traditional Indian attire.
A fun pose that every tourist aspires to get hold.
Check out your local library for these interesting titles
Taj Mahal: A Story of Love and Empire
by Elizabeth Mann and Alan Witschonke
T is for Taj Mahal: An India Alphabet
Varsha Bajaj (Author), Robert Crawford
(Illustrator)
Taj Mahal
By Giles Tillotson
1.Each student will create their own symmetrical structure based on the
photographs. See examples of completed projects. (Next slide)
3. Use 12 x 18" white paper in landscape orientation. Fold paper in half to create
line of symmetry.
4. Using ruler and pencil, draw ground line 2-4" from bottom of paper.
5. Using ruler, draw a square or rectangle over the line of symmetry. Continue
drawing building out from center, making sure both sides of paper are the same.
After main frame of building is complete, draw details free hand. The only
portion of the picture which can be asymmetrical is the sky.
6. Outline drawing with permanent black marker.
7. You can color the insides using crayons, markers or time-permitting some
watercolors.
Symmetrical Structures inspired by Taj Mahal
Examples of students’ artwork
TAJ MAHAL PUZZLE
try this at home and you’ll realize that no wonder it’s a wonder.
You can increase the complexity based on your capacity to solve puzzles.