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the norm and yet this construction took refinement to extreme levels . Only perfectly white stone could be used and must be inlayed with the finest jewels of the empire for Shan Jahan wanted the Taj Mahal to be the greatest tribute to love compared to anything on the planet , for his favourite wife would be buried here . Mumtaz Mahal had died giving birth to their 14th child .
The tomb creates the central focus of the Taj Mahal complex and is arguably the worlds most known construction . The level of detail , artisanship not seen today , is astounding .
I was surprised to learn that the building we all are taught is the Taj Mahal , is in fact the Rauza-e- Munawwarra , or the Illumined Tomb . Taj Mahal being a corruption of names that refer in some part to the whole complex that forms a monument to a loved wife .
Motives that are traditional with Islamic teachings sit amongst designs that incorporate Hindu and Persian styles . The Taj Mahal is an unbelievably perfect construction that brings together all faiths , and it still remains as a working place of religion , closed on Friday ’ s so that the Islamic faithful can worship . Yes , one side has a working mosque and in the name of symmetry a ‘ fake ’ temple mirrors the real .
Leaving the vastness of the complex is just as fitting , as with the black inlay on the white marble , calligraphy adorns the great gateway , “ O Soul , thou art at rest . Return to the Lord at peace with Him , and He at peace with you .”
Surprisingly , after the completion of the Taj Mahal , Shah Jahan was disposed by his son , Aurangzeb , and throne into house arrest near Agra Fort . He was later buried next to his wife in the mausoleum , providing the only imperfect attribute to the whole complex , his tomb throws the symmetry out .
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