The Taj Mahal Mosque, Uttar Pradesh, Agra, India.

Taj Mahal Mosque. Taj Mahal viewed from inside one of the mosques archways at sunrise, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Although it doesn’t look like it from this wide angle photograph, the four minarets (towers) surrounding the Taj Mahal were constructed farther away from the main structure than usual. The minarets lean slightly outward as a safety measure so that if any of them fell, they would fall away from the tomb rather than damage the central structure.

Taj Mahal Mosque; About The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic and easily recognisable structures in the world. It has been listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World since 2007. The Taj is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, attracting up to 4 million visitors a year. 

The construction of the Taj was commissioned by emperor Shah Jahan. He was first inspired to build the Taj after his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died whilst giving birth to their 14th child. 

Construction of the Taj began in 1632 and was completed in 1653, taking an estimated 22 years to build and cost over 32 million Indian rupees, an astronomical sum of money at the time. The primary building material, white marble was transported in from Rajasthan and the 28 varieties of precious and semiprecious jewels set into the marble were brought in from all over the world.

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