The World Heritage: Taj Mahal - Essay Example

The World Heritage: Taj Mahal Name Professor Institution Course Date The World Heritage: Taj Mahal World heritage remained of the less discussed in the past until intensification of globalization and advancement when people become eager to study places and sites across the globe (Khatri 2012, p.7). World heritage has become important to people and government a platform for education and source of revenues. World Heritage is defined as a place or site listed by UNESCO as having scientific, cultural or religious significance. In 2016, UNESCO had listed 1052 sites including 203 natural, 814 cultural and 35 mixed sceneries in 165 states (UNESCO 2017). In the list, Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the studied world heritage due to its popularity across the globe. Therefore, this essay will describe Taj Mahal and explain its significance according to the themes in literature and argue why it is significant in terms of world history. Taj Mahal is a huge mausoleum built by Shah Jahan (Mughal emperor) between 1631 and 1648 in remembrance of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal (UNESCO 2017). Taj Mahal is considered a brilliant Muslim Art within India and globally admired world heritage. This piece of art is situated near Yamuna River within the vast Mughal garden in Uttar Pradesh. Falakian and Falakian (2013, p. 2533) claimed that even though the main mausoleum ended in 1648, the mosque, outer courtyard, cloisters, guest house and main gateway were later constructed and ended 1653. Historians claim that the existence of numerous Quaranic and historical inscriptions in the Arabic script have helped in the creation of chronology of the Taj Mahal. A research by UNESCO (2017) shows that stone-cutters, masons, in-layers, painters, carvers, dome builders, artisans and calligraphers were sourced across this empire and from Iran and Central Asia. Ustad-Ahmad Lahori headed the construction of Taj Mahal as the main architect. This art is regarded as the best accomplishment among the Indo-Islamic architecture. Its admired architectonic magnificence has a good mixture of the solids and voids, convex and concave, and light shadow (Moinifar & Mousavi, 2013, p.124). The color mixture of luxuriant green, blue sky and reddish pathway causes the monument to show ever changing moods and tints. Architectural experts argue that Taj Mahal stands out as an ideal symmetrical designed structure with a strong focus of bilateral symmetry on the central axis where key features are put. The materials used for construction are brick laced with lime mortar, red marble and sandstone, and precious stones. Sparavigna (2013) asserted that observation of the building shows that the guest house and mosque were built using red sand stone contrary to tomb which is made of marbles. The integrity of the building as held in the stability of the foundation, structure and good condition of the tomb, guest house, mosque and the whole building. UNESCO (2017) claimed that Taj Mahal is managed by Archaeological Survey of India. Over the years, parliament of India has enacted several laws to legally protect this world heritage. One of such laws is Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 which was amended in 1959 (UNESCO 2017). The laws spells out general administrative of the building, protect its surroundings from the illegal development of properties, encroachment and pollution. World heritage represents different themes in architecture. In other words architecture as subject inhibits various themes that influence the daily lives of humanity (Falakian & Falakian 2013, p. 2532). Therefore, Taj Mahal has its significance to the themes of architectures. Some of the common themes in architecture comprise of war, peace, love, religion and royalty among others. The significance of a world heritage to a theme is shaped by raw materials and design. Diana and Michael (2007, p.72) opined that Taj Mahal stands out as a symbol of love. The popular perception of Taj Mahal as a great love story emerges as result of narrative of its origin (Sparavigna 2013, p.5). The literature shows that Taj Mahal Mausoleum was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his wife Mumtaz. The emperor’s wife is said to have died while giving birth to their 14th child. Love is a key theme in architectural field which have influenced construction of various world arts. Love has been portaged in terms of design and colors various buildings. However, in this case theme of love has been by the just the idea of putting up a building in remembrance of the loved one. Love is normally expressed as a result of character and achievement of people during their life time. In this case, the Tillotson (2008, p.45) contended that Mumtaz Mahal used to accompany Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to wars. The architectural design and materials used has also been to demonstrate the emperor’s undying loves towards the wife. The aesthetic features of the tomb are unique and are believed to have been used to express love. Diana and Michael (2007, p.75) claimed that the use of white marbles during its construction symbolizes purity of the real love. Therefore, Taj Mahal is significant in architecture and stand for the fact that arts can be used to express love. The significance of Taj Mahal is that, it depicts theme of religion or serves a religious function in architecture. The Taj Mahal’s calligraphy majorly comprises of passages and verses mainly from the Quran (Falakian & Falakian 2013, p. 2532). The wall of this building are inscribed with Quran from verses such Surah 91, Surah 112, Surah 93, Surah 95 and Surah 94. The inscription shows the religion which used dominant during the reign of Shah Jahan. Muslims first came to India in the 711AD and conquered it (Moinifar & Mousavi 2013, p.125). Muslims spread their religion across and was adopted in Mogul Empire. Building Taj Mahal therefore increased the spread of Islamic religion in India. The art concept of building the mausoleum has created a comprehensive writing which cuts across various religious themes such as rewards to the faithful, mercy of God, paradise ideas and Day of Judgment. The tomb also served religious purpose as it had allegorical depiction of the Allah’s Throne Paradise Garden during Day of Judgment (Moinifar & Mousavi 2013, p.129). Similarly the four canals of Taj Mahal symbolizes four rivers in Paradise as mentioned within the Quran and witnessed by Prophet Mohammed at the time of his ascension to al-Mi'raj (Paradise). The allegorical and symbolic meaning of the canals and garden at Taj Mahal is not unexpected bearing in mind the funereal situation of the art it depicts. Tillotson (2008, p. 145) argued that the inscription of the Quran on the wall Main Gate at the southern side gives clear belief to linking of Taj Mahal with Paradise Garden in which the souls of people who have died get their eventual refuge. Just like Hinduism, Islam is a broad culture that unites its members in the global community who worship Allah (Moinifar & Mousavi 2013, p.125-126). Religion is important in life because it shapes the life of its members. The Supreme Being use religion to communicate it member of religion and shows what is right and what is wrong. Taj Mahal is significant according to the theme of this unit in that it encourages social solidarity in the society (Khatri 2012, p.78). Common belief and common sentiment that is created by the inscriptions on Mausoleum wall is an important cementing aspect that strengthens solidity and unity in the society. The Research shows that Muslims still participates in prayers and traditional dances. Taj Mahal is significant because it epitomizes a symbol of beauty (Sparavigna 2013, p. 105). Vitruvius, a roman architect claimed that a good building must satisfy the principle of beauty. It is that beauty that attracts people and makes it be regarded as a world heritage. Tourists across the globe come to India to observe Taj Mahal, the most renowned architectural wonder in the country with beautiful temples and tombs (Sparavigna 2013, p.105). This art showcases the rich civilization of India which is steadily emerging as industrialized society. The postcard image of the Taj Mahal adequately shows a crown place that is well preserved and hosts the beautiful tomb globally. The beautiful nature is described by the poets and is what is what attracts tourists to the site. For instance, the mausoleum is described Sir Edward Arnold, an English poet as not just any other piece of building or architecture but a zeal of the love inscripted in the living stones (Diana & Michael 2007, p.138). This piece of art is constructed using beautiful white marble and precious stones which make it stand out. Like a jewel, the Taj Mahal normally shines in moonlight like a jewel when the precious stones and the white marble catch the radiance of the moon. Besides the significance of Taj Mahal according to the themes of the unit, it is also important in terms of world history. The art depicts the history of India in ancient times. A study of the origin of the Taj Mahal shows that. The existence of this pierce of art is attributed to the existence of Moghul Empire in the 1526 ruled by Shah Jahan (Moinifar & Mousavi 2013, p.125). Inscription of Quran verse shows the dominance of Islamic religion during the existence of empire. The history shows that Muslims invaded 17th century and continued spread of their religion in the country. Taj Mahal decoration symbolizes existence of several ethic groups even in the past. Some of the ethnic groups which have been represented in the past consist of Indians, Persians and Arabs. Moinifar and Mousavi (2013, p.127) postulated that Persians and Arabs have had a strong influence and assimilation on the Indians particularly in terms of Islamic and Persian culture including religion and foods. The situation means that the tourists may found intensity in of Islamic culture is Taj Mahal, the former Moghul Empire which is mostly occupied by Arabs. Due to increase in number of Indians, education access, immigration and intermarriage has made Arabs now appear been assimilated and help develop a homogeneous national culture majorly around Taj Mahal (Moinifar & Mousavi 2013, p.127). Despite trying to get the national culture, the diversity is still present and small features of Arabs and Persians in building, music, cooking, food and language. As result, Taj Mahal has depicted India as multicultural country. Furthermore, presence of Taj Mahal has created an image of India as a tourist destination and is used today by government to promote Indian tourism Industry. History is also about economic activities. Besides being a source of revenue to government of India, it also exposes economic activities of India people. Tillotson (2008, p. 59) posited that the people who visit Taj Mahal learn the economic activities of India people. Articles and books kept in Taj Mahal shows that majority of Indian citizens derive the income from manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and gem polishing which are the largest sectors in country (Khatri 2012, p.87). Many people work in manufacturing industry which export fast moving products to China, the US, European Union, Japan and South America. Taj Mahal is also major source of income since it is ranked as the most admired world heritage (UNESCO 2017). Studies show that up to 8 million people visited this site in 2014 which is an increase of 15 percent in the number of people compared to the previous year. In tourism industry, people work as tour guides, hoteliers, accountants and drivers. In addition, Tillotson (2008, p.67) contended that some operate individuals business in services sectors like education, transport industry and real estate. In conclusion, it is evident that Taj Mahal is one of the most popular places today. The report has provided a comprehensive research into this world heritage. The report is not only an eye opener to the international tourists who want to experience something new. Some of the issues discussed in this report include the architectural design, the significance of Taj Mahal to the theme Unit and significance of this world heritage to the world history. The research established that Taj Mahal is built of beautiful material such as white marble, red stone and other precious stones which makes it to glow. Apart from architectural design, Taj Mahal is significant in that it is used to depict theme of love, beauty and religion. On the world history perspective, the mausoleum operates as source revenue, a platform for education and place of ethnic diversity. As the 21st century unfolds, Taj Mahal will continue being an important art to Indian tourism Industry. References Diana, P & Michael, M 2007, A Teardrop on the Cheek of Time, Doubleday, London. Falakian, N & Falakian, A 2013, ‘Study on the Architecture of Taj Mahal’, International Research Journal of Applied and Basic Sciences, vol.4, no.9, pp.2532-2538 Khatri, V 2012, Greatest Wonders of the World, V S Publishers. Moinifar, H & Mousavi, N.S 2013, ‘Taj Mahal as a Mirror of Multiculturalism and Architectural Diversity in India’, Journal of Subcontinent Researches Vol. 5, No.15, pp. 123-134 Sparavigna, A.C 2013, ‘The Gardens of Taj Mahal and the Sun’, International Journal of Sciences vol.2, no.11, pp.104-107. Tillotson, G 2008, Taj Mahal, Cambridge, Mass, Harvard University Press. UNESCO 2017, Taj Mahal, Viewed April 17th 2017 http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252 Read More

World heritage represents different themes in architecture. In other words architecture as subject inhibits various themes that influence the daily lives of humanity (Falakian & Falakian 2013, p. 2532). Therefore, Taj Mahal has its significance to the themes of architectures. Some of the common themes in architecture comprise of war, peace, love, religion and royalty among others. The significance of a world heritage to a theme is shaped by raw materials and design. Diana and Michael (2007, p.72) opined that Taj Mahal stands out as a symbol of love.

The popular perception of Taj Mahal as a great love story emerges as result of narrative of its origin (Sparavigna 2013, p.5). The literature shows that Taj Mahal Mausoleum was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in remembrance of his wife Mumtaz. The emperor’s wife is said to have died while giving birth to their 14th child. Love is a key theme in architectural field which have influenced construction of various world arts. Love has been portaged in terms of design and colors various buildings.

However, in this case theme of love has been by the just the idea of putting up a building in remembrance of the loved one. Love is normally expressed as a result of character and achievement of people during their life time. In this case, the Tillotson (2008, p.45) contended that Mumtaz Mahal used to accompany Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to wars. The architectural design and materials used has also been to demonstrate the emperor’s undying loves towards the wife. The aesthetic features of the tomb are unique and are believed to have been used to express love.

Diana and Michael (2007, p.75) claimed that the use of white marbles during its construction symbolizes purity of the real love. Therefore, Taj Mahal is significant in architecture and stand for the fact that arts can be used to express love. The significance of Taj Mahal is that, it depicts theme of religion or serves a religious function in architecture. The Taj Mahal’s calligraphy majorly comprises of passages and verses mainly from the Quran (Falakian & Falakian 2013, p. 2532).

The wall of this building are inscribed with Quran from verses such Surah 91, Surah 112, Surah 93, Surah 95 and Surah 94. The inscription shows the religion which used dominant during the reign of Shah Jahan. Muslims first came to India in the 711AD and conquered it (Moinifar & Mousavi 2013, p.125). Muslims spread their religion across and was adopted in Mogul Empire. Building Taj Mahal therefore increased the spread of Islamic religion in India. The art concept of building the mausoleum has created a comprehensive writing which cuts across various religious themes such as rewards to the faithful, mercy of God, paradise ideas and Day of Judgment.

The tomb also served religious purpose as it had allegorical depiction of the Allah’s Throne Paradise Garden during Day of Judgment (Moinifar & Mousavi 2013, p.129). Similarly the four canals of Taj Mahal symbolizes four rivers in Paradise as mentioned within the Quran and witnessed by Prophet Mohammed at the time of his ascension to al-Mi'raj (Paradise). The allegorical and symbolic meaning of the canals and garden at Taj Mahal is not unexpected bearing in mind the funereal situation of the art it depicts.

Tillotson (2008, p. 145) argued that the inscription of the Quran on the wall Main Gate at the southern side gives clear belief to linking of Taj Mahal with Paradise Garden in which the souls of people who have died get their eventual refuge. Just like Hinduism, Islam is a broad culture that unites its members in the global community who worship Allah (Moinifar & Mousavi 2013, p.125-126). Religion is important in life because it shapes the life of its members. The Supreme Being use religion to communicate it member of religion and shows what is right and what is wrong.

Taj Mahal is significant according to the theme of this unit in that it encourages social solidarity in the society (Khatri 2012, p.78).

Read More