Taj Mahal History:
( Construction of The Taj Mahal Agra India )
Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal emperor, who ruled from 1628 to 1658. He is famous for building the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The main architect of the Taj Mahal was likely Ustad Ahmad Lahawri, an Indian of Persian descent. The whole complex was carefully planned and designed with five key elements:
- Main Gateway
- Garden
- Mosque
- Jawab (a building that mirrors the mosque)
- Mausoleum with its four minarets.
Construction began around 1632, and more than 20,000 workers from India, Persia, the Ottoman Empire, and Europe worked on the project. The main mausoleum was completed by 1638-39, the other buildings were done by 1643, and decoration work went on until 1647. In total, it took 22 years to finish the 42-acre (17-hectare) complex!
Who Taj Mahal Built?
According to tradition, Shah Jahan had plans to build another mausoleum made of black marble on the opposite side of the river for his own burial. This second mausoleum was supposed to be connected to the Taj Mahal by a bridge. However, in 1658, Shah Jahan’s son Aurangzeb took over as emperor and imprisoned Shah Jahan in the Agra Fort for the rest of his life, so this black marble mausoleum was never built.
Taj Mahal Agra Facts
Fascinating Facts About the Taj Mahal Agra India
1. The Taj Mahal is Taller than Qutub Minar
Yes, it’s true! The Taj Mahal stands at 73 meters, while the Qutub Minar measures 72.5 meters.
2. Over 10 Replicas of the Taj Exist Worldwide
There are more than 10 replicas of the Taj Mahal around the world, but none can compare to the original masterpiece in Agra.
3. The Taj Mahal Changes Color Throughout the Day
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Taj Mahal Agra India is how its color changes as the sun moves across the sky, showcasing a different shade at every time of day.
4. Today’s Value of the Taj Mahal
In 1653, it cost about INR 32 million to build the Taj Mahal Agra India. If constructed today, it would cost around INR 70 billion (about $1 billion).
5. Precious Stones Adorning the Taj
The Taj Mahal is decorated with over 40 types of precious and semi-precious stones, including diamonds, emeralds, pearls, and sapphires.
6. 1,000 Elephants Were Used
Nearly 1,000 elephants were employed to transport construction materials for building the Taj Mahal Agra India.
7. Mumtaz Mahal’s Death
Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Shah Jahan, died during the birth of her 14th child, and the Taj Mahal Agra India was built in her memory.
8. 20 Years and 20,000 Workers
It took 20 years and the labor of 20,000 workers to complete the construction of this architectural marvel.
9. Building Materials from Around the World
Materials for the Taj Mahal were brought from Punjab, Rajasthan, Sri Lanka, Tibet, and China, among other places.
10. The Unfinished Black Taj Mahal
Shah Jahan intended to build a black-colored Taj Mahal opposite the white one, but his plans were halted by his son, Aurangzeb.
Taj Mahal Agra Entry Fee:
Agra, known for its rich Mughal heritage, offers a range of stunning monuments apart from the iconic Taj Mahal. Each of these sites showcases exquisite Mughal architecture. Here’s a detailed guide to the ticket prices for visiting various monuments in Agra.
Taj Mahal Agra India
- Indian: ₹50 (Closed on Friday)
- Foreigner/NRI: ₹1100 (Closed on Friday)
- SAARC/BIMSTEC: ₹540 (Closed on Friday)
- Main Mausoleum Entry: ₹200 (additional to the regular ticket)
Additional Notes:
- Free Entry for children below 15 years (Indian & Foreigner).
- Taj Mahal closed every Friday.
- Tickets can be bought at the site or online via ASI Agra Circle and Taj Mahal Official Website.
- Main Mausoleum at Taj Mahal requires an additional ticket of ₹200.
- Prohibited: Drone cameras inside Taj Mahal.
- Facilities: Free shoe covers, water bottles, guide maps, battery bus/golf carts for foreigners at the Taj Mahal.
Tourists are advised to carry a government-issued ID for entry and follow the monument guidelines.
For more information, visit Taj Mahal Official Site.
Taj Mahal Agra Timings and Ticket Prices
Operating Hours:
- Opening Time: 30 minutes before sunrise
- Closing Time: 30 minutes before sunset
- Closed: Every Friday for general viewing
Ticket Counters:
- Western Gate: Near Saheli Burj. Tickets available from one hour before sunrise to 45 minutes before sunset.
- Eastern Gate: Tickets available from one hour before sunrise to 45 minutes before sunset.
- Southern Gate: Currently only allows exit; no entry.
Ticket Prices
- Foreign Tourist: ₹1100 + ₹200 (for main mausoleum visit, optional)
- SAARC/BIMSTEC Citizens: ₹540 + ₹200 (for main mausoleum visit, optional)
- Domestic/Indian/OCI Cardholder: ₹50 + ₹200 (for main mausoleum visit, optional)
Discounts:
- Online Purchase: ₹5 discount for Indian tickets and ₹50 discount for Foreigners.
No Entry Fee:
- Children below 15 years (both Domestic and Foreign).
Online Ticket Booking:
For additional details on monuments and facilities, visit Taj Mahal Official Website.
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