Taj Mahal, Yamuna River view, Agra, Uttar Pradesh state, India. India Map | India Pictures | India Beaches | Rajasthan Pictures | India Tours The Taj Mahal, India's icon, is a shining example of the Mughal architecture that dominates India's most stylish constructions, namely various Maharaja's palaces and forts, particularly in the nearby state of Rajasthan and India's capital city New Delhi. The Taj is a vast Islamic tomb or mausoleum, finished in 1653 [after 20 years work] in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, Emperor Shah Jahan's favourite wife.
The Taj's monumental entrance, the Great Gate or Darwaza, reflects the tomb's architecture, with elaborate arches, Arabic script, inlaid semi-precious stones and bas-relief flowers, Agra, India.
The Taj Mahal's 'garden'.
A closer view of the Taj Mahal's intricate Koranic [Arabic] calligraphy and flower inlay.
And closer...much of the script inlay is in black marble, surrounded by Pietra dura, semi-precious stones - yellow marble, jasper and jade - set in a vine pattern.
A guide explaining the Taj's inlay detail and methods used. Taj Mahal marble, bas-relief flower designs. Click for Agra's Red Fort pictures.
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