Describe a place in which you are both familiar and interested - Essay Example

A Labor of Love The Taj Mahal An Imprint of My Mind’s Eye. No. of pages – 2 – 6530 Introduction: When I visited the Taj at Agra in Delhi, I was awestruck by its beauty and magnificence. It made a great impression on me when I found out the historical significance and background behind the making of the Taj. Therefore I chose to write about it when I had the chance.“The Taj,” resplendent in its beauty, stands like a sentinel in witness to the abounding love of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal.

It is testimony of the passionate love of the emperor to his queen, that even in death he wanted no separation. Its dignified magnificence and ethereal radiance would render its beholder speechless in wonder.Shah Jahan loved his wife Mumtaj Mahal so much, but was grief-stricken at her death during child birth. He wanted to keep her memory alive till eternity and so built the beautiful Taj which stands as India’s pride attracting tourists from far and near to revel in its beauty.The exotic Taj is situated in the lush green plains of Agra, behind which runs the sacred river Yamuna.

It is made of huge slabs of creamy white marble and is studded with thousands of semi-precious stones. The pathway leading up to the monument is flanked by tall palm trees which act as a border to a moat of crystal clear water spurted out from dancing fountains. It has an impressive circular dome with four minarets, one in each corner. The structure is so impressive that it makes the beholder stare at it in awe before making an entrance.The arched entrance has a huge and heavily crafted wooden door with shiny brass door-knobs.

It leads into a massive hall filled with archways and has a high ceiling which is intricately carved with patterns of flowering plants that adorn it, enhancing its magnificence.Right in the centre of the hall are the cold marble tombs of Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal that are covered with floral patterns and embellished with precious stones which are a deep blue.An Octagonal screen made from perforated marble called “Jalis” form the border surrounding the two cenotaphs in the centre chamber.

Each of these Jalis was carved with intricate and exquisite designs from a single slab of marble and allows not only air to circulate but also sunlight which scatters beautiful patterns over the cenotaphs. The eight faces of the jalis are decorated with flowering plants like lilies and poppies intrinsically embedded with colorful gemstones such as agate, sandstone and carnelian. From the centre of the dome, above the cenotaphs in the mausoleum, hangs a beautifully decorated Brass lamp specially ordered by Lord Curzon, who was the Governor General at that time.

He commissioned skilled workers to design the lamp, the pattern of which was taken from a lamp in a Cairo Mosque. He wanted his name to be stamped in the Taj Mahal for he held it in such high esteem as an object of exquisite beauty.Arabic inscriptions in black marble were used to decorate the borders of the walls which were inlaid on the white marble framing the architectural features. These inscriptions were reminiscent of Persian calligraphy and were crafted by Ahmed Khan who was resident in the Mughal Court.

He was also responsible for the choice of text which was taken from the “Koran”.(Holy book of the Muslims). On the cenotaph of Mumtaj is a prayer imploring Allah to allow the faithful to enter “Paradise”.One of the most romantic places on this Earth is the Taj Mahal. It’s beauty and eloquence becomes clearly etched or chiseled in the minds of all those who behold it and that is why it is considered as one of the Wonders of the World.Conclusion:I chose to write about this exquisite place because it has been imprinted in my mind’s eye from the day I set eyes on it.

I love the ambience and the fresh air that surrounds it. The interiors speak volumes of the passionate couple, yet the place is so serene and peaceful. I would definitely visit the Taj when I visit India sometime in the future.Reference:Explore the Taj Mahal virtual tour “5 stars” SundayTimes, Londonwww.taj-mahal.net