Monument of Love

    Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India by the banks of the River Yamuna, is a memorial that was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal was Shah Jahan's third and most beloved wife. Shah Jahan went so far as to give her his imperial seal, called the Muhr Uzah. But when Mumtaz died at a young age of 38, Shah Jahan fell into the fetters of his grief, refusing to participate in any events, even postponing his sons' weddings. In remembrance of his wife, Shah Jahan ordered for the construction of the Taj Mahal, now one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. 

    The entrance of the Taj is a gate of red sandstone, and as one proceeds further into the the memorial, a massive mausoleum made of white-marble can be seen with two identical buildings on either side of it. The mausoleum also is surrounded by 4 minarets, each one placed at each corner. This symmetrical structure emphasizes the significance the Mughals (Shah Jahan's dynasty) attach to balance in life. Outside the memorial are countless gardens of different styles, this structure and location gave the Taj Mahal the name "Riverfront Garden City".

                              

    The interior of the monument also has very important symbolic representations. The Mahal consists of 8 halls, representing the hasht bishisht (8 levels of paradise). The center of the main hall holds two cenotaphs (a memorial for someone whose body is not present), one for Mumtaz and one for Shah Jahan. 

    The Taj Mahal as a whole ties to an important principle in the construction of a memorial/monument: the consideration of a variety of factors symbolic to the abstract ideas relating to the memorial itself. The symmetrical structure highlights the balance in the Mughals' traditions while the interior represents the 8 levels of paradise. It is within these details where the true intent of the memorial is held.