Taj Mahal: Integrated Complex of Structures

Taj Mahal is consodered as one of the eight wonders of the world, and its architectural beauty has never been surpassed as some Western historian have noted. The Taj by the Mughals is the most beautiful monument ever built, the Muslim rulers of India. It was built entirely of white domed marble and it's the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal. Its strikingly appearance architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. During the full moon, The Taj seems to glow in the light. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river. The Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. It is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653 at a cost of 32 million Rupees, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision, including Abdul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Lahaur is generally considered to be the principal designer.
The Taj rest on an elevation, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements. Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet.
The incredible beauty of the Taj Mahal has magnetized mankind with its charm for ages.