The Taj

“The TAJ”
A Love Affair To Remember

TAJ MAHAL is India’s most iconic monument. One of the seven wonders of the world, this beautiful ode to love by Emperor Shajahan of the Mughal Dynasty to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal is one of a kind. It has the tombs of both Shajahan and Mumtaz, where they will rest in peace eternally.

The architecture of this wonder is a delight by itself. Featuring traditional designs of Persian and earlier Mughal architecture, Taj Mahal is made with white marble and inlaid with precious stones. The Mughal reign is known for a lot of its architectural beauties but Taj Mahal takes the crown.

Located on the right bank of the Yamuna River in a vast garden of almost 17 hectares, Taj Mahal is considered to be the greatest architectural achievement in the Indo Islamic aspect. The gardens, the tombs, the minarets, the mosque, the guest house all comes in perfect harmony to create this masterpiece.

History tells that a 16 year old prince Shajahan (then Prince Khurram) met the 15 year old Mumtaz (then Arjuman Banu Beghum) in 1607. Banu’s father was soon to be prime minister and her aunt was married to prince Khurram’s father. Though it was love at first sight, the two were not allowed to be married right away.

On March 27, 1612, Prince Khurram was finally able to marry Mumtaz. Mumtaz was a people’s queen. She was beautiful, smart and tender hearted. They had 14 children together but only 7 survived. The birth of the 14th child unfortunately killed her. They were in the middle of a war in Deccan, around 400kms from Agra and were living in elaborately decorated tents. Even though Mumtaz was heavily pregnant she chose to accompany her husband.

Reports say that Shajahan was anguished and he cried for 8 days in his tent without ceasing. When he emerged he is said to have aged considerably, sporting white hair and glasses.

Though Mumtaz was buried near Deccan, once the war ended Shajahan ordered her remains to be dug up and brought back to Agra. Her return was a grand procession with thousands of soldiers accompanying her body and mourners lining the routes. The rest is history as we see it now. Shajahan, filled with grief, poured his heart and emotions into designing the most beautiful tomb for his beloved wife.

It definitely is a love story to remember, isn’t it? The Taj Mahal is one of the most visited places in India. There are a million stories in and around the Taj. From tit bits of how it was built to stories of royalty, it definitely is a wonder.

The replicas of the Taj are in abundance. And each one is a beauty by itself. A miniature Taj Mahal in my home to remind us of the rich heritage we were and still are a part of. And an ode to love like no other. Even in our homes, as a show piece, Taj Mahal reflects its beauty and magnificence, for we can never get enough of seeing this wonder.

Frill & Whisper is very proud to bring one of the 7 Wonders of the World into your home and elevate the beauty of your home.

THE TAJ MAHAL

A miniature, marble sculpted Taj Mahal for that touch of royalty in your life.