Taj Mahal, Agra, India, 1632-47
A dynastic monument built for Mumtaz Mahal, favorite wife of Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal has become one of the best known buildings in Islamic Architecture and a symbol of India (which of course is primarily Hindu). The entire complex is a symbolic appropriation of the land and public declaration of the wealth, power and lineage of the Mughal Dynasty. Mumtz's tomb, a 4 portal-ed chartaqrecalls Humayun's tomb at Delhi. Set in a charbagh, the form of the garden has paradisical connotations while the main garden pavilion represents the throne of God on earth. The symbolism is furthered by the great pietra dura decoration (at it's apogee here), slender arabesques and extensive inscriptions of the Koran, which explains that this is the throne of God above the gardens of paradise on Judgement Day. The complex belies many influences, the Ottoman, Persian and Timurid to complement the Persian reliance on masonry. The groundplan is Timurid in nature illustrating their stylistic influence in India. The use of white marble contrasts greatly with the surrounding red brick buildings, its symmetrical dome form creating a fantastic monument to the Mughal dynasty at its zenith.
(Image courtesy of Wikipedia)
