World Wonders, here we come...

Dear Diary,

By now, everyone is sure to know about the New Seven World Wonders. It had been one of the most spoken about topics in the world for the last few weeks and the selection process received much comments, both good and bad.

However, it is a pity that our own Sigiriya could not at least be a contestant in this grand competition; but we should at least be happy that our neighbouring India got an opportunity to have one of its landmarks recognised as a World Wonder.

In our journey through these Wonders, we selected the Taj Mahal as our first destination as it's the closest to us. The Taj Mahal in Agra was earlier widely regarded as the eighth wonder of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been beaten.

The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. At dawn and sunset, the edifice(building), built entirely of white marble, provides an extremely beautiful sight. It seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors see the Taj as if its suspended, when viewed from across the Jamuna River.

The Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) was built in Agra by Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his beloved wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal. It's a burial place housing the grave of Queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later.

The queen's real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important women of royal families were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives; this new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was also different; his name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending the throne in 1628.

The Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of 22 years, employing over 20,000 workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad Isa, the renowned architect of the time.

The documents contain the names of those employed in the project, the inventory of construction materials and their origin. Expert artisans from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore and Multan were employed.

The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186x186 feet) with its four corners cut, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking Arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates (blends) with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and symmetry of architectural elements.

Its central dome is 58 feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. It is edged by four subsidiary domed chambers. The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is decorated with an inlaid design of flowers and script using precious gems such as agate and jasper.

The mausoleum(stately building as a tomb) is part of a vast complex comprising a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guesthouse (to the right), and several other grand buildings.

The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the River Jamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools, dividing it at the centre. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections.

Like the Taj, the garden is also in Arabesque style, standing on their own and constituting the whole. If visitors want to take pictures of themselves touching the top of the Taj Mahal, there are photographers who would perform this magic for them.

Agra is a city where you can buy lots of handcrafted jewellery and there are people swarming around visitors, offering necklaces and other items of jewellery. If not for the exorbitant(excessive) prices of tickets for foreigners, people would cherish(treat with affection) visiting the place every time they visit India.

Bye for now!

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