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Architecture Of The Taj Mahal

Decent Essays

The Taj Mahal, located on the southern bank of Yamuna River in Agra, India, is said to be created by Shah Jahan in 1632. It is known to be a complex mausoleum that combines Persian, Islamic, and Indian influences, and is one of the “world’s most celebrated structures and stunning symbols of India’s rich history”. From Sanskrit, Tejo Mahalay (Taj Mahal) means “The Great Abode of Tej”. In the Hindu religion, the name Shiva translates to Tejaji and Mahalay means mansion. Therefore, the Taj should have been known to be a Temple Palace of Lord Shiva, Hindu God. Mumtaz was Shah Jahan’s most beautiful and devoted wife who was “content to have lots of children with her husband died giving birth to their fourteenth child”. Although many historians believe that Shah Jahan had created the Taj to cherish his wife, others believe that it originated an ancient Shiva temple. According to N.P. Oak, Indian journalist, Shah Jahan had commandeered it from Maharaja of Jaipur and therefore did not create it himself. The Taj Mahal was meant to be a remembrance of Mumtaz, but the structure of the building proves otherwise; the Taj Mahal should be viewed as a temple, not a tomb. Temples are often built on river banks and sea benches. The Taj Mahal was built on the banks of the Yamuna River, which was the ideal location for a Shiva Temple. Also, the Taj is located in Agra city, which is an ancient center of Shiva worship. The officials at Agra preserve their tradition by worshipping at five Shiva

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