Taj Mahal - Statistics Project Example

? Taj Mahal Taj Mahal Taj Mahal, one of the greatest structures on earth and wonders of this globe, was built by the Mughals, Muslim rulers of India. Regarded as the most beautiful shrine with its architectural beauty never surpassed according to some western historians, it was built entirely of white marble and seems to glow when the fool moon hits its surface (McCarthy, 2011). Its architectural and stunning design, especially at dawn and sunset, surpasses any particular and adequate description. Across the Jamuna River, specifically on a foggy morning, the temple seems to be suspended, giving visitors an experience like no other. In 1666 C.E., before death of Shah Jahan, a Muslim emperor built Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, the queen Mumtaz Muhal in Agra, India (Yamada, 2008). Introduction Taj Mahal, one of the greatest structures on earth and wonders of this globe, was built by the Mughals, Muslim rulers of India. Meaning "crown palace", Taj Mahal is expressed differently by some as a "dream" others as "elegy in marble". At the lower chamber, Taj Mahal houses the queen’s grave and Shah Jahan was also added after her passing. Traditionally significant ladies of the royal families were given different names at the temple during their marriage or in some significant function (McCarthy, 2011). Constructed over a period of twenty-two years, the temple was completed in 1648 C.E. with a fee of 32 million rupee. Its architect, a renowned individual at his time, is considered to have done a magnificent work. He was also the individual who documented everything, which is used today to study the temple. This was from the twenty thousand workers who worked on the temple to the inventory and the sources of the materials used. Among the employees were expert craftsmen from Lahore, Delhi, Qannauj and Multan and others who worked on specialized tasks (McCarthy, 2011). Soaring to a height of 213 feet, the structure has a diameter of 58 feet and is flanked by four subsidiary dome chambers (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 1992). The entire structure (both outside and the interior) is designed and decorated with inlaid patterns of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agates and jaspers. The main archways are chiseled with passages from the Holy Quran and bold works of flowering pattern, which give the structure a mesmerizing charm to its beauty. It uses the architectural design of interlocking arabesque concept, which dictates that each element has its own stand and perfectly intergrates with the main structure. Historically, Taj Mahal is presented as a love story that begins in 1612 when Princess Arjumand Bano from Persia married Shah Jahan (the then prince of Khurram) and the Mughal emperor. After marriage, Arjumand Bano’s name was changed to Mumtaz Mahal (the chosen of the palace) and was the second wife to the emperor (Zahoor & Haq, 1997). Being a companion and advisor to the throne, the queen travelled with the emperor on his journeys and military expeditions. Her companionship sparked the emperor’s heart and brought positive effect to the emperor inspiring him to perform acts of charity and benevolence throughout his life. A serious turn took place during a campaign at Burhanpur when Mumtaz Mahal gave birth to their 14th offspring (Zahoor & Haq, 1997). Divested by this act, the emperor and the court went into mourning for over 2 years within a few months after death of the queen. It is said that Shah’s hair and beard turned white, and he was recklessly determined to build a monument in consorts and loving memory of his beloved wife, and that was how a structure never seen before like Taj Mahal came to mind. The queen’s dead body was taken to Agra and buried in a garden on the banks of Yamun River (Simmons, 2002). A group of the finest architects were later called upon to come up with a plan for erecting a tomb for her. Usta Isa, a Persian master architect, was called upon to design the structure. Usta Isa commenced his works with his assistant and 20000 laborers, and did the work for over 22 years (Yamada, 2008). The dome was, however, fashioned by Ismail Khan. The finest marbles were procured from the district of Markan near Jodhpur. Precious and semi-precious stones were bought from far off places also to enhance the beauty of the structure (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 1992). The Mausoleum was later provided with luxuriant furnishings with Persian carpet and gold lamps embellishing the interior of Taj Mahal (McCarthy, 2011). The entrance was served with two silver gates, but, in 1764, Suraj Mal took away the silver and was later looted by Amir Hussein Ali Khan who took the sheet of pearl, which covered the stone coffins. After viewing the structure, the emperor Shah liked the monument so much that he ordered the right hand of the master architect, Ustad Isa, be cut off so that he may never design such a beautiful and grand structure again. In design, the mausoleum was constructed of white inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones including lapis, lazuli and amethyst among others, which formed intricate designs using the Pietra Dura Technique. The central dome reaches the heights of 240 feet (73 meters) and is surrounded by four slender towers and smaller domes that stand at each corner (McCarthy, 2011). Verses from the Quran were inscribed in calligraphy in accordance with Islamic tradition on the arched entrance of the mausoleum adding to other numerous sections of the complex. Adorned with curving and semi-precious stones, an octagonal marble chamber houses the cenotaph or false tomb of the queen Mumtaz Mahal. Her real sarcophagus lay below at the garden level. The structure of Taj Mahal included a main gateway of red sandstone with a square garden divided into gardens by long pools of water, as well as red mosque of sandstone, and an identical building directly across from the mosque called Jawab (mirror). Building practices traditionally did not allow further alteration to the complex (McCarthy, 2011). In Description, the Taj Mahal is an immense Mausoleum made of white marble. It is the jewel of Muslim art and is considered as one of the wonders of the world (Simmons, 2002). The temple is admired across the world as being a masterpiece of the world’s heritage displaying a theme of love. Taj Mahal presents an extremely moving story with the circumstances during its construction. It scales to 17 hectares and is situated on the right bank of River Yamuna (Yamada, 2008). Serving as the funeral monument, the mausoleum is bound by four isolated minarets and a bulbous dome capping it. The building brings out the floral arabesques through scintillates and fairy-like decorations and perfect elevation of astonishing graphic purity formed by the white marble. The materials were brought from all across India, as well as central Asia. The white marble was acquired from Makrana (McCarthy, 2011). The Mughal style uniquely combines the elements and styles of Persian, Islam, as well as Central Asia. The majestic gate is a large three-storey red sandstone structure. It contains an octagonal central chamber with a vaulted roof and smaller rooms on each side. The gate consists of a lofty central arch and two-story wings on both sides. The walls have inscribed verses from the Quran in black calligraphy (Simmons, 2002). The gate, which was originally of silver, was later replaced by copper and decorated with 1000 nails whose heads were made of silver coins. The paths lead to an ornamental garden that is classically planned according to the Mughal Charbagh style (Yamada, 2008). Lined with cypress trees emanating from the centre, there are two marble canals studded with fountains and raised pools cross in the centre of the garden. Shah Jahan also wanted to build another monument of black marbles across where his remains would be buried with a bridge connecting the two mausoleums. In 1658, Aurangzeb (Shah’s third son with Mumtaz Mahal) deposed his aging father and took over as the leader of the kingdom. He put his father under house arrest in the tower of Red fort at Agra (Zahoor & Haq, 1997). This place offered him a good view of the monument, which he had built for his wife. He died in 1666 and was buried next to her. In the reign of Aurangzeb’s (1658-1707), the Mughal Empire reached its peak. Its Muslim policies, however, undermined the strength of the empire since it included the destruction of shrines and Hindu temples. This led to its demise, in the 18th century, which also led to the crumble of Mughal’s power. Suffering from neglect after death of Shah, the mausoleum was restored to order by Lord Curzon the then British viceroy in India. This was in 19th century, and the endeavor was part of a colonial effort to maintain India’s cultural heritage and preserve the nation’s artistic value (McCarthy, 2011). According to an Indian myth, four years later after the construction of the temple, some cracks were found in the building plus the building looked tilted to the river side (Simmons, 2002). Other myths included the number of items like gold leaf and that diamonds, which covered the port of the dome were stolen along with pearl blankets. Theologically, it was the aim of the Mughal to erect tombs, which would honor the dead (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 1992). They varied in ways they were built. Some of the Hadith forbade the construction of tombs and hence, it was a challenge to the Orthodox Islam since they found it irreligious. Hindu populous also forbade such acts since they considered the dead bodies impure and hence, structures above them also were impure (McCarthy, 2011). However, to a majority of Hindus, believing in the spiritual power (barakat) of visiting the resting places of those dead in the Hindu religion had a strong holding that helped it maintain its effect of erection of structures. According to many Hindus, legitimate tombs were considered to be those that did not strive for showiness, and were perceived as a means of providing a glimpse of heaven here on earth. History of this debate can be traced in the Mughul’s dynasty Mausoleums that stretch back to the days of "Tomb of Timur" in Samarkand. In this tomb, Timur is buried under a dome and a traditional Persian Iwan is employed to cater as the entrance. The tomb is a more modest issue with a simple cenotaph, which is exposed to the sky and a person is laid to rest at the centre of a walled garden (Yamada, 2008). The Humayun’s tomb is seen as a direct influence to the design of Taj Mahal and was directly accountable to the tomb of Timur as it featured at the central dome of marble (white), red sandstones facing, geometric symmetrical planning, a plinth, chatris, charbagh and iwans. Akbar, Humanyun’s son, designed it and set the precedent for Mughal Emperors’ children who constructed the mausoleums for their fathers (Zahoor & Haq, 1997). The architectural design used the concept of the paradise garden, which brought Mughals from Persian Timurid gardens (Simmons, 2002). This was the first architectural expression made by the Indian sub-continent meeting diverse functions among which were symbolic functions known as charbagh. In this unique form, it was laid down with four subdivided square parts. Mystic Islamic texts describe paradise as a garden filled with many trees, flowers and plants. Water was also a factor of description of the paradises. They represent the promised rivers of milk, water, wine and honey. The river source was a mountain or a spring and separated the garden by flowing towards the cardinal points (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 1992). The central place of the garden, at the intersection of the divisions, was also highly symbolic, and it was ideally a pavilion where the tomb was placed. The mausoleum of the tomb of the late Mumtaz Mahal was sited at the edge of the garden. Hence, it became an alternate of the charbagh. By the specific conditions of the Indian plains, Mughul’s developed slow flowing rivers that provided water source. The water uses a device called purs, run by animals and the water stores in cisterns. At the river banks, there are linear terraces that have low level rooms that open to the river. The terraces were designed to enhance the view of Agra for the imperial elite who used to travel in and around the city by the river (Simmons, 2002). Taj Mahal employs the interconnecting arabesque concept in its design (Simmons, 2002). The concept states that each element maintains its own traits and identity. It should also perfectly merge with the main structure (Zahoor & Haq, 1997). A shadowy crypt inside the structure houses the tombs of the couple and above these tombs is the main chamber with the false tombs. Screens of perforated marble where used to transmit light into the central chamber (McCarthy, 2011). The Mahal complex is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India and the legal protection of Taj Mahal is through various regulatory frameworks and legislatures that were established. In addition to this, the ancient monuments and archeological sites and remains are still strong, which proves adequate to the administration of the property and its buffer areas. Supplement laws ensure the protection of the property especially in terms of development. There is a defined 1,400 sq km area around the monument to protect it against pollution. The Indian supreme law ruled out the banning of coal and coke in industries around Taj Trapezium zone. Also they banned the use of natural gas inside the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ). The TTZ comprises 40 other monuments including Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, and Taj Mahal among others. The federal government provides funds adequate for protection of buffer areas (McCarthy, 2011). The funds are actively used to preserve, conserve and maintain the overall complex, as well as supervise activities, at the site with the guidance of the superintending archaeologist of the Agra circle. The implementation of the integrated management plan is fundamental to ensure that the property maintains it original and existing elegance particularly in the light of growing pressures derived from the constant visitation and tourism (Simmons, 2002). The integrity of Taj Mahal is maintained through the hygiene of its worship centers, tombs, guest houses, the main gate and the whole complex at large (Simmons, 2002). The fabrics are physically in proper condition with its structural stability intact. The nature of foundation is firm and the constructional aspect are always monitored (Yamada, 2008). To help in maintaining the hygiene of the temple, an air monitoring station was put in place to constantly monitor air quality and control factors as they emerge. To ensure consistency in protection of the setting, adequate enforcement and management of regulation in the buffer zones is required (McCarthy, 2011). Future development for tourists should ensure visual integrity of property is maintained particularly in consideration with Agra Fort. Despite extensive renovations since the British time, Taj Mahal has maintained its originality and authenticity. It has presented to the world artistic achievement through perfect harmony and excellence in craftsmanship in the whole dynasty of Indo-Islamic sepulchral architecture. Conclusion Approximately three million people annually visit Taj Mahal, but air pollution from nearby factories and the automobiles pose a great threat to the gleaming whiteness of the temple. A number of anti-pollution measures to protect the building from deteriorating were put in place in 1998 by India’s Supreme Court. This led to closing of some factories and traffic banned from the vicinity of the complex. Tourists enjoy spectacular views of the Taj Mahal through a formulated system in which they can travel around the monument. A visit to the structure proves both interesting and educative. Sculptures and the calligraphy found in and outside the monuments structure and buffer areas give one the sense of belonging; its love theme moves many whenever it is told. References McCarthy, C. (2011). Taj Mahal should be named the 8th wonder of the world. American Journal of Engineering Construction, 6(8): 78-79. Simmons, H. (2002). Amazing world structures. New York: Oxford University Press. UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (1992). Taj Mahal. Retrieved from http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252 Yamada, K. (2008). A deep insight into the Indian culture. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Zahoor, A., & Haq, Z. (1997). Taj Mahal, Mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal. Retrieved from http://www.islamicity.com/culture/taj/default.htm Read More