Taj Mahal History
The history of Taj Mahal is a saga of everlasting love that began when Prince Khurram aka Emperor Shah Jahan fell 'head over heels' in love with Arjumand Bano Begum - the tale of togetherness that ensued sowed the seeds for construction of this spectacular memorial in pure white marble.
Impregnate with political intrigue, passion, love and devotion, the history of Taj Mahal enchants and enamors.
Shah Jahan married Arjumand Bano Begum and christened her "Mumtaz Mahal" that literally means "the gem of all eyes." The queen accompanied her husband everywhere, even on military campaigns and it was during one such tour that the beautiful queen died while giving birth to their 14th baby, in the arms of the distraught Emperor.
Mumtaz Mahal elicited a promise from Emperor Shah Jahan on her deathbed and the magnificent Taj Mahal is the very essence of that promise.
True to his word, Shah Jahan diverted all his attention towards the creation of the greatest memorial of love ever built. History records indicate that the Mughal court grieved the death of Mumtaz Mahal for more than two years. There was no celebration on festivals and feast days for quite a while.
The monument was constructed over a period of 20 years with 20,000 workers working non-stop under the guidance of skilled architects, scholars, calligraphers and craftsmen. The history of Taj Mahal is also associated with a great tragedy that till date has not been substantiated by fact. It is believed that Emperor Shah Jahan was so pleased with the monument that he ordered all the artisans, builders and craftsmen who were even remotely connected with the building of the monument to be debilitated, so that they could never create something like this ever again.
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