The Taj Mahal Portrait

Classic view of the Taj Mahal across the fountains, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. 

The Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh, Agra, India

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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