Page 18 - The Islander - December '20

Page 18, The Islander

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The Taj Mahal … New World Wonder

By Don Kiselewski, MCC, D.S., Palm Beach Gardens Travel Leaders

Since the Taj Mahal was Whomever the designer,
proclaimed one of the “New there were numerous details
Seven Wonders of the World,” incorporated into the design
one might think that the Taj to trick the eye and give the
is the primary structure in building its unique qualities.
Agra, India … however, this One such detail was the
is not the case. The structure is border that was placed around
nothing more than a tomb that the arched entrance door.
stands just outside the Agra or This border was intentionally
“Red” fort. This fort has been widened as it rises up the wall
a stronghold in Indian history to create the optical illusion
and dominates the area. The that the width of this trim is
Taj is located just to the east of the fortress of Agra on the south constant when seen from the
bank of the Yamuna River. ground. Perhaps the subtlest
The Agra fortress got its “Red” nickname from the red architectural feature that
sandstone from which it was built. Although a fort, the interior truly sets the stage to frame
of the structure has the trappings of a palace with the roof of the building is the 138-foot-
the throne room covered with gold leaf. An intricately carved tall minarets on each corner,
marble pavilion dominates the center of the open space to go which actually lean out. These were purposely constructed perfect surroundings. It was believed that the Shah Jahan had
along with the palatial décor. I’m not sure exactly when they so that the axis of the circular tower is not vertical but rather started to construct an identical monument on the north side
showed up, but today man shares the Red Fort with his ape leans away from the main structure … causing an illusion of the river, just opposite the Taj. It was said to be constructed
ancestors. The monkeys can be seen everywhere running along that the mausoleum is rising up. in contrasting black marble. Today, two small tilting towers
the railings and parapets, and gathering in small groups to play. The complex that the Taj Mahal sits within is a rectangular are all that remain from this effort. The barren bank behind
Shah Jahan was the third son of Emperor Jahangir space measuring 1,900 feet by 1,000 feet. In the center is a the Taj and the fields across the river remain free of structures,
and grandson of Emperor Akbar. He was born 100 years rectangular garden and pool that is oriented in a north/south maintaining the visual eloquence of the Taj. Recent findings
after Columbus discovered America and was titled Prince direction. At the south end is the gateway building, while at submit that the plan was not for a black mausoleum to mirror
Khurram in 1612 when he was just 20 years old. This is the the north end is the mausoleum. Two identical buildings flank the Taj, but rather a large pool that would reflect the image of
year when he married Arjumand Banu Begum. Jahan was the mausoleum building on the sides. One is a mosque, and the Taj on the other side of the river.
ambitious to gain the throne of the Mughal Empire in the the other is called jawah, which means “duplicate.” These Joking about the Taj Mahal has long been a standard
Indian subcontinent, so when he was 30 years old he staged buildings are built of red sandstone. The Taj Mahal itself is of describing the very best in architectural excellence and
a rebellion against his father. The attempt was unsuccessful constructed of white Makrana marble. It is a square measuring construction workmanship, especially when we describe
and Jahan went into exile. For the next three years he traveled 186 feet on each side with grooved corners and massive arches governmental buildings. I can assure you that no modern-day
around the country waiting for his father to forgive him. They that rise to a height of 108 feet. The onion-shaped dome in the structure could possibly meet these standards. You must see it
reconciled in 1625, just two years before his father died. center is some 243 feet above the garden level below. Matching yourself to believe it. It took a personal visit to drive home the
With the support of his wife’s family, Shah Jahan proclaimed parapets stand above the arches in each corner of the building. fact that unquestionably, the Taj is the most beautiful structure
himself emperor at Agra in February 1628. A close-up inspection reveals the magnitude of the work in the world. I have never witnessed such dynamic architecture
The next 25 years, Shah Jahan proceeded to enlarge and effort, where it can be truly appreciated. The carvings on and exquisite workmanship. After experiencing the complex,
strengthen Mughal power throughout India. In 1657 he became the marble panels that surround the Taj are literally icing it becomes apparent why it took 20,000 laborers and masons
ill, and once again there was struggle for power within his on the cake. Interior partitions within the mausoleum are 22 years to complete.
family. The winner among his four sons was Aurangzeb, who approximately 4 inches thick and were sawed completely Don Kiselewski writes from his personal experiences,
declared himself emperor in 1658. Aurangzeb placed his father through, cutting the marble into puzzle pieces. These marble having traveled in 122 countries and cruised the oceans, seas
under house arrest until his death on January 22, 1666. It is said pieces were then replaced with colored semi-precious stones, and rivers of the world. Palm Beach Gardens Travel Leaders,
that the only solace Jahan had during these last years of his life creating floral designs. Colored light is carried to the inside his family owned and operated agency, is located at Mirasol
was in the memories of his loving wife. The balcony of his of the space through these stones, much like the stained-glass Town Square, 11360 North Jog Road, Building A, Suite 102-6,
chamber faced the beautiful monument that he had built for her. windows found in the cathedrals of Europe. Palm Beach Gardens. The agency has been serving the travel
Arjumand Banu Begum (Begum is the title for a Muslim The location of the Taj makes it so that there is nothing in needs of the South Florida area for over a quarter of a century.
GRAND OPENING
woman of high social rank) was the favorite wife of Jahan, its background. It is the only structure that can be viewed … Contact him at (561) 694-9696 or Aussie@PBGTravel.com.
and they are said to have been inseparable companions until no buildings are behind or adjacent that could interfere with its Photos by Don Kiselewski
her death from childbirth in 1631. He affectionately called her
Mumtaz Mahal, which means, “ornament of the palace.” The
mausoleum containing her body was named the Taj Mahal,
stemming from his term of endearment. It is also the burial
place of Shah Jahan.
Three names have been suggested as architect of the
Taj. Ustad Isa,
the master builder
of Persia at the
time, is a possible www.washandwax.com
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The Agra fortress known as the “Red” Fort, Agra, India