Mausoleum .28Rauza-i munauwara.29 Origins and architecture of the Taj Mahal

base, dome, , minaret

the focus , climax of taj mahal complex symmetrical white marble tomb; cubic building chamfered corners, arched recesses known pishtaqs. topped large dome , several pillared, roofed chhatris. in plan, has near perfect symmetry 4 axes. comprises 4 floors; lower basement storey containing tombs of jahan , mumtaz, entrance storey containing identical cenotaphs of tombs below in more elaborate chamber, ambulatory storey , roof terrace.

elevations

the mausoleum cubic chamfered edges. on long sides, massive pishtaq, or vaulted archway frames arch-shaped doorway, similar arch-shaped balcony above. these main arches extend above roof building use of integrated facade. either side of main arch, additional pishtaqs stacked above , below. motif of stacked pishtaqs replicated on chamfered corner areas. design uniform , consistent on sides of building.

dome

the marble dome surmounts tomb spectacular feature. height same size base building, 35 m. height accentuated because sits on cylindrical drum 7 metres high. because of shape, dome called onion dome (also called amrud or apple dome). dome topped gilded finial, mixes traditional islamic , hindu decorative elements. dome shape emphasised 4 smaller domed chhatris placed @ corners. chhatri domes replicate onion shape of main dome. columned bases open through roof of tomb, , provide light interior. chhatris topped gilded finials. tall decorative spires (guldastas) extend edges of base walls, , provide visual emphasis of dome height.

lower chamber


cenotaphs in lower chamber

muslim tradition forbids elaborate decoration of graves, bodies of mumtaz , shah jahan laid in relatively plain, marble faced chamber, beneath main chamber of taj. buried in graves on north-south axis, faces turned right (west) toward mecca. 2 cenotaphs above mark graves. mumtaz s cenotaph placed @ precise center of inner chamber. on rectangular marble base 1.5 2.5 metres smaller marble casket. both base , casket elaborately inlaid precious , semiprecious gems. calligraphic inscriptions on top of casket recite verses koran , on sides express ninety-nine beautiful names of allah.

main chamber

the inner chamber of taj mahal contains cenotaphs of mumtaz , shah jahan. masterpiece of artistic craftsmanship, virtually without precedent or equal. inner chamber octagon. while design allows entry each face, south (garden facing) door used. interior walls 25 metres high, topped false interior dome decorated sun motif. 8 pishtaq arches define space @ ground level. typical exterior, each lower pishtaq crowned second pishtaq midway wall. 4 central upper arches form balconies or viewing areas; each balcony s exterior window has intricate screen or jali cut marble. in addition light balcony screens, light enters through roof openings covered chhatris @ corners of exterior dome. each of chamber walls has been highly decorated dado bas relief, intricate lapidary inlay, , refined calligraphy panels.

the hierarchical ordering of entire complex reaches crescendo in chamber. mumtaz s cenotaph sits @ geometric centre of building; jahan buried @ later date side west — arrangement seen in other mughal tombs of period such itmad-ud-daulah. marble used exclusively base material increasingly dense, expensive , complex parchin kari floral decoration 1 approaches screen , cenotaphs inlaid semi-precious stones. use of such inlay work reserved in shah jahani architecture spaces associated emperor or immediate family. ordering of decoration simultaneously emphasises cardinal points , centre of chamber dissipating concentric octagons. such hierarchies appear in both muslim , indian culture important spiritual , atrological themes. chamber abundant evocation of garden of paradise representations of flowers, plants , arabesques , calligraphic inscriptions in both thuluth , less formal naskh script,

shah jahan s cenotaph beside mumtaz s western side. asymmetric element in entire complex. cenotaph bigger wife s, reflects same elements: larger casket on taller base, again decorated astonishing precision lapidary , calligraphy identifies shah jahan. on lid of casket sculpture of small pen box. (the pen box , writing tablet traditional mughal funerary icons decorating men s , women s caskets respectively.)

an octagonal marble screen or jali borders cenotaphs , made 8 marble panels. each panel has been carved through intricate piercework. remaining surfaces have been inlaid semiprecious stones in extremely delicate detail, forming twining vines, fruits , flowers.