EH 301
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE-IV
S5 B.ARCH 2020
Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. During Mughal Period
Taj Mahal was called rauza-i munawwara, which means the illumined or illustrious tomb
Taj Mahal is regarded by many as the finest example of Mughal architecture, It is considered as
one of the seven wonders of the ancient world & is declared a UNESCO world Heritage Site in
1983.
SHAHJAHAN: TAJMAHAL (RAUZA-I-MUNAWARA), AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial
supervision, including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad
Lahauri.Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer.
•A labour force of twenty thousand workers
was recruited across northern India.
•Sculptors from Bukhara, calligraphers from
Syria and Persia, inlayers from southern India,
stonecutters from Baluchistan, a specialist in
building turrets
•The Taj Mahal was constructed using
materials from all over India and Asia and over
1,000 elephants were used to transport
building materials.
•The translucent white marble was brought
from Makrana, Rajasthan, the jasper from
Punjab, jade and crystal from China. The
turquoise was from Tibet and the Lapis lazuli
from Afghanistan, while the sapphire came
from Sri Lanka and the carnelian from Arabia.
•Different types of precious and semi-precious
stones were inlaid into the white marble
SHAHJAHAN: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Khan Khanan’s Tomb, Delhi,AD 1598
Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Malwa,AD 1440
Humayun’sTomb, Delhi,AD ,1564 Itimad uddaula’sTomb,Agra,AD 1626
THE INSPIRATION: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The Taj Mahal was built on a parcel of land to the south of the walled city of Agra bought from
Maharajah Jai Singh .An area of roughly three acres was excavated, filled with dirt to reduce
seepage, and levelled at 50 metres (160 ft) above riverbank
Since the Taj is built near a river, there is naturally a high water table. This creates an
environment of unstable soil and a high risk of subsidence for this extremely large structure. In
the tomb area, wells were dug and filled with stone and rubble to form the footings of the tomb
LOCATION: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The basement
Well foundation
In order to support the foundation, a series of deep wells 12.19m deep &2.74m in diameter
connected by arches were dug and filled with concrete and rubble .The wells absorb fluctuations
in groundwater before it reaches the foundation. Embedded within the concrete are wooden
wheel and spoke systems for support and reinforcement.
FOUNDATION: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
4.Gateway, attendant
1.The Moonlight Garden, N accommodations, and other
of Yamuna (Mehtab Tombs(Jilaukhana)
Yamuna river
Gardens)
2.Terrace area: Tomb, Mosque 5.Taj Ganji (bazaar&
3.Charbagh (gardens).
and Jawab. caravan serai)
Levels gradually descend in steps from the Taj Ganji towards the river.
THE LAYOUT: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
(darwaza-i- rauza)
(jilaukhana)
(saheli gunj)
(Khwasspura)
THE LAYOUT: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The Bazaar and caravanserai were constructed as an integral part of the complex, initially to
provide the construction workers with accommodation and facilities for their wellbeing, and
later as a place for trade
The area became a small town in its own known as 'Mumtazabad', today it is called Taj Ganji or
'Taj Market' . Its plan took the characteristic form of a square divided by two cross axial streets
with gates to the four cardinal points
TAJ GANJ: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The jilaukhana (literally meaning 'in front of house') was a courtyard feature introduced to
Mughal architecture by Shah Jahan.
•It also served Mughal ceremonial purposes
and acted as a transition space between the
street and the palace or royal building.
•The jilaukhana consists of a large courtyard
with 128 rooms opening directly onto the
courtyard.
•2 identical smaller tombs for other wives.
•Mumtaz's death anniversary (urs) was also
observed in the jilaukhana of the Taj Mahal.
JILAUKHANA: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
TAJ GATEWAY: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
•The great gate ( Darwaza –i-Rauza) stands to
the north of the entrance forecourt
(jilaukhana) and provides a symbolic transition
between the worldly realm of bazaars and
caravanserai and the spiritual realm of the
paradise garden, mosque and the mausoleum
•Its rectangular in plan 150’ wide &
100’ high with octagonal corner towers.
•Red sand stone with white marble
inlay, topped by 22 chatris on the
Pishtaq & 2 at corners.
•Door were made of solid silver.
TAJ GATEWAY: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Exterior detail of the pishtaq of the
darwaza-i rauza, showing the use of
white marble, sandstone and precious
stones capped with cupolas with
guldastas on either side
•Bands of calligraphy in Quranic verses used to
outline the arches on both sides.
•Calligrapher Amant khan used the tromp l’oel
effect .
•Due gradual enlargement of letters & spacing
as one moves up, it appears as consistent from
top to bottom
TAJ GATEWAY: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The arch frames the Taj perfectly Form the gate begins the 1000’ long walk to the mausoleum-
the view is striking in its contrast . The Quranic verse invites believers to enter the garden of
paradise. From this point the strong axial vista created by the garden carries one forward.
TAJ GATEWAY: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The complex is set around a large 1000’square charbagh or Mughal garden.
The charbagh garden is meant to symbolise the four flowing Rivers of Paradise.
The garden uses raised pathways that divide each of the four quarters of the garden into 16
sunken parterres or flowerbeds
2 water channels with fountains run in E-W & N-S axes which meet at centre in a lotus pool.
The raised marble water tank is called al-Kawthar, in reference to the "Tank of Abundance“ in
the paradise.
THE CHARBAGH : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Innovation by the architects in placing the tomb at one end of the garden, creating a long vista
framed by chinar trees ,which changes its perspective as on moves from the gateway to the
monument
THE CHARBAGH : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Early accounts of the garden describe its profusion of vegetation, including abundant roses,
daffodils, and fruit trees
THE CHARBAGH : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The rectangular Taj complex encloses a space 1900’x1000’,with a high boundary wall &
octagonal pavillions at corners. The central charbagh is a square of 1000’ side.
Al-Kawthar, the reflective pool at the centre where the water channels meet,in reference to
the "Tank of Abundance“ in the paradise.
THE CHARBAGH : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
As one moves closer the dazzling white structure comes alive with colorful patterns & textures
on the surface. The simple 2 storied façade is articulated with well proportioned solid & voids,
creating a rich interplay of light & shade.
THE CHARBAGH : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The Taj stands on a square platform 187, side & 22’ high flanked on both sides by 2 similar
buildings. On the west- the mosque & on east is its replica known as ‘jawab’ which served as a
guest house( mehman khana).
THE TOMB : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The building is perfectly symmetrical on all sides. The 2 storey high plinth itself is surrounded by
blind arches all around. From this level one can either climb up to reach the terrace or go down
to the crypt where graves are placed.
THE TOMB : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The focus and climax of the Taj Mahal complex is the symmetrical white marble tomb; a cubic
building with chamfered corners, with arched recesses known as pishtaqs. It is topped by a large
dome and several pillared, roofed chhatris. In plan, it has a near perfect symmetry about 4 axes
THE TOMB : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The plan is a Rationalization of Humayuns Tomb & an enriched version of Khan Khanans Tomb
Cubical plan with chamfered corners. Hasht-bisht or nine fold plan- Central octagonal chamber
surrounded by similar octagonal chambers in the corners, all interlinked by connecting corridors
which makes circumbulation possible
THE TOMB PLAN : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
SACRED GEOMETRY OF HASHT-BISHIT PLAN
• The plan is generated from a single octagon –Mathematical Tessellation
THE TOMB PLAN : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
THE TOMB PLAN : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
THE TOMB PLAN: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
THE TOMB PLAN: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
THE TOMB PLAN: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Dimensions
•On a platform 22' high and 313'
square.
•Corner minarets 137' tall.
• Main structure 186' on a side,to
dome is 187'.
•The mausoleum is 57 m (190 ft)
square in plan.
•"The central inner dome is 24.5 m (81
ft) high and 17.7 m (58 ft) in diameter,
but is surmounted by an outer shell
nearly 61 m (200 ft) in height."
—Sir Banister Fletcher. A
History of Architecture
THE TOMB PLAN: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
It comprises 4 floors; the lower basement storey containing the tombs of Shah Jahan and
Mumtaz, the entrance storey containing identical cenotaphs of the tombs below in a much more
elaborate chamber, an ambulatory storey and a roof terrace. Load bearing brick masonary bldg.
THE TOMB SECTION: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Mughal architects employed basic geometric principles in the design of their buildings. The
design of the Taj Mahal is dominated by a series of grids.
THE TOMB SECTION: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The mausoleum is cubic with chamfered edges. On the long sides, a massive pishtaq, or vaulted
archway frames an arch-shaped doorway, with a similar arch-shaped balcony above.
To either side of the main arch, additional
pishtaqs are stacked above and below.
This motif of stacked pishtaqs is replicated
on the chamfered corner areas
Calligraphic bands frame main archway ,the size
of letters increase gradually as one moves up.
FACADE: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Calligraphic bands- black marble
/jasper inlay work
Low relief carved roses at lower level
Pietra- dura- multi colored stone
inlay as decorative bands
FAÇADE DETAILS: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Guldastas- slender minarets rise from corners,
Topped by lotus petals & golden finials
Black & white inlay in herring –bone pattern
FAÇADE DETAILS: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The marble dome that surmounts the tomb is the most spectacular feature. Its height of
around 35 metres (115 ft) is about the same as the length of the base, and is accentuated
as it sits on a cylindrical "drum" (23 ft) high.
Superb Inlay work on the drum
Bulbous dome with a lotus crown
(mahapadma)- influence of Bijapur Tombs
THE DOME: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Typical double dome used to bring the interior space to human scale & perfect proportions to
the exterior elevation
THE DOME: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
kalasha
crescent
The shape of the dome is emphasised by four mahapadma
smaller domed chattris (kiosks) placed at its
corners, which replicate the onion shape of the
main dome
The dome and chattris are topped by a gilded
finial, which mixes traditional Persian and
Hindustani decorative elements.
THE DOME: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
•There are 4 main chattris having an octagonal base around
the dome.
•Similar chattris are there on top of 4 minarets
•Cusped arches, chajja & brackets, lotus & metallic finial
form the common vocabulary of all chattris
CHATTRIS: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
By introducing 4 free standing minarets at 4 corners of the Platform- added a new dimension
to the vocabulary of tomb architecture in India. They provide a kind of spatial reference
frame to the central structure
The minarets serve 2 roles:
1. To scale down the structure
2. To unite the various elements as
a single composition by giving a
frame
The minarets, are each more than 40 metres
(130 ft) tall with 5.60m dia at the base &
3.54m at top.
•Each minaret is effectively divided into three
parts by two working balconies that ring the
tower.
•At the top of the tower is a final balcony
surmounted by a chattri that mirrors the
design of those on the tomb
THE MINARETS: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Multi colored inlay work
Carved brackets & chattri on top
THE MINARETS: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The interior chamber of the Taj Mahal steps far beyond traditional decorative elements. Here,
the inlay work is not pietra dura, but a lapidary of precious and semiprecious gemstones
About 50 different varieties of precious &
semi-precious stones were used for the
inlay work.
The inner chamber is an octagon with the design allowing for entry from each face, although
only the door facing the garden to the south is used.
INTERIOR DETAILS : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
An octagonal marble screen or jali borders the
cenotaphs and is made from eight marble panels.
Each panel has been carved through with intricate
piercework. The remaining surfaces have been inlaid
with semiprecious stones in extremely delicate
detail
INTERIOR DETAILS : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The interior walls are about 25 metres (82 ft) high and are topped by a "false" interior dome
decorated with a sun motif
INTERIOR DETAILS : TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Each chamber wall has been highly
decorated with dado bas-relief,
intricate lapidary inlay and refined
calligraphy panels, reflecting in
miniature detail the design
elements seen throughout the
exterior of the complex
manabatkari
SURFACE DECORATION: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Delicate marble jalliwork with lapidary borders in the screen around the cenotaph
SURFACE DECORATION: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Lapidary work- around 50 different kinds
of gem stones are used.
Lapidary work using precious stones in
marble
SURFACE DECORATION: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
SURFACE DECORATION: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Sun motif- inner side of main dome
SURFACE DECORATION: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The mausoleum is flanked by two almost
identical buildings on either side of the
platform. To the west is the Mosque, to the
east is Jawab.
Typical 3 domed Indian mosque in red
sandstone & marble.
Jawab differs from the mosque in that it
lacks a mihrab, and the floors have a
geometric design, while the mosque floor
was laid out with the outlines of 569
prayer rugs in black marble
MOSQUE & JAWAB: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Ceiling of the mosque dome
Mosque flooring like prayer mats
MOSQUE & JAWAB: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
•The Taj Mahal complex is bounded on
three sides by crenellated red sandstone
walls, with the river-facing side left open.
•The taj complex includes The River
Yamuna & a Moon light garden across the
river.
RIVERFRONT TERRACE: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
. It was designed as an integral part of the complex in the riverfront terrace pattern seen
elsewhere in Agra. Its width is identical to that of the rest of the Taj. the large octagonal pool in
the centre of the terrace would reflect the image of the Mausoleum and thus the garden would
provide a setting to view the Taj Mahal
MAHTAB GARDEN: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
THE ILLUMINED TOMB: RAUZA-I- MUNAWWARA (TAJ MAHAL)
The Taj Mahal complex was conceived as a replica on earth of the house of the departed in
paradise .Here every single aspect of building was meticulously designed & detailed out to
create a building perfect in every sense.
MAGIC OF TAJ: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The constantly changing sunlight reflected from the Taj's translucent marble is not a happy
accident, it had a deliberate metaphoric role associated with the presence of god as light.
MAGIC OF TAJ: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
The Taj appears to change its color ,as
the translucent white makrana marble
reflects the colour of the sky.
MAGIC OF TAJ: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
Taj mahal continues to inspire the common man & poets alike.
MAGIC OF TAJ: TAJMAHAL, AGRA (AD 1632-1653)
