Taj Mahal: Architecture, Symbolism and Urban Significance - Essay Example

As Koch (2005), points out, “the Taj Mahal is built northern end of the main axis of a vast oblong walled-in complex that measures 896.10m x 300.84m” (p.130). This is to take advantage of the waterfront situation in the garden. The garden around the Tomb has two major sections; the cross-axial and the four-fold garden. The waterfront was a chief element in the design of the whole complex.

At the southern far corner of the garden is the Taj forecourt, at both of its widths, which are framed by two smaller courts (tombs of lesser wives of Jahan and courtyard for the tomb attendants). The mausoleum also has an additional complex of quarters for merchants and tourists. This was to ensure its accessibility to the whole world. The upkeep and maintenance of the Taj Mahal were financed by the taxes from thirty villages in Agra and income from bazaars and caravanserais as ordered by imperial command.

According to Koch (2005), “The Taj is built architectural theory and can be read like a literary text, once we have mastered the architectural language” (p. 137). Even though there are no texts to prove that the Mughals had written architectural theory, Koch states that his investigations have shown that the theory was laid down in the planning itself.

In conclusion, the principles of Shah Jahan’s architecture, which resulted in the building of the monument, are geometric planning, symmetry, hierarchy, proportionality, and uniformity, attention to detail, naturalism, and symbolism. These principles and their astonishing results can be seen in the complex.  For instance, asymmetrical planning with a focus on bilateral symmetry can be seen in the central axis in which the main features are placed. In addition, the building was built to symbolize the power and glory of Shah Tahan. The naturalism principle can be seen through decorations of walls, ceilings, and the tombs; they are mostly decorated with flowers of different colors (Koch, 139-146).