Taj Mahal

 The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth in 1631. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and took over 20 years to complete, with thousands of artisans and craftsmen working on the project.

The Taj Mahal is considered one of the greatest examples of Mughal architecture, which blends elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. The mausoleum is set in a large, formal garden that is divided into four sections by water channels. The garden is laid out in the traditional Mughal style, with symmetrical pathways, fountains, and pools.

The mausoleum itself is built from white marble and is decorated with intricate carvings, calligraphy, and inlaid designs made from precious stones such as jade, crystal, and lapis lazuli. The exterior of the Taj Mahal is adorned with decorative elements, including four minarets that are over 40 meters high. The central dome of the Taj Mahal is 73 meters high and is surrounded by four smaller domes.

The interior of the Taj Mahal features a large central chamber that contains the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. The tombs are carved from white marble and are intricately decorated with inlaid designs and calligraphy. The tomb of Mumtaz Mahal is located at the center of the chamber, while Shah Jahan's tomb is beside hers.

The Taj Mahal is also home to several smaller chambers and rooms, including a mosque and a guest house. The mosque is located to the west of the main mausoleum and is designed to complement the overall symmetry of the complex. The guest house, or "mehman khana," is located to the east of the main mausoleum and was used to accommodate visitors to the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is an iconic symbol of India and attracts millions of visitors every year, who come to marvel at its beauty and learn about its history and cultural significance. The Taj Mahal has also been the subject of numerous works of art and literature, including the famous poem by Rabindranath Tagore, "The Taj Mahal."