INDIA, Agra: The Taj Mahal, a marvel on marble, was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in commemoration of his wife, Empress Mumtaz Mahal who died in 1631 A.D. Artisans were requisitioned from all over the world including Central Asia and Iran. It took 17 years to complete this structure (1647 A.D.). The plan of Taj Mahal displays strict bilateral symmetry. The central point is the tomb and its four minarets, flanked by a mosque and assembly hall. The Taj is exactly as wide as it is high (180 ft.). A highlight of the monument is the exquisitely carved pietra dura inlaid with semi-precious stones. The color of the translucent marble keeps changing from dawn to midnight giving it a magical aura in keeping with Shah Jahan’s vision that the tomb and garden should represent paradise on earth. It is a unique man made manifestation of the glorious Mughal age and a wonder of the world.

After his death in 1666 A.D., Shah Jahan was also buried beside his beloved wife in the Taj Mahal.