Concepts.2C symbolism and interpretations Origins and architecture of the Taj Mahal

1 concepts, symbolism , interpretations

1.1 symmetry , hierarchy
1.2 throne of god
1.3 symbol of love

concepts, symbolism , interpretations

the mausoleum @ sunset. light mughal metaphor god.

under reign of shah jahan, symbolic content of mughal architecture reached peak. taj mahal complex conceived replica on earth of house of departed in paradise (inspired verse imperial goldsmith , poet bibadal khan. theme, common in mughal funerary architecture, permeates entire complex , informs detailed design of elements. number of secondary principles inform design, of hierarchy dominant. deliberate interplay established between building s elements, surface decoration, materials, geometric planning , acoustics. interplay extends can experienced directly senses, religious, intellectual, mathematical , poetic ideas. changing sunlight reflected taj s translucent marble not happy accident, had deliberate metaphoric role associated presence of god light.

symmetry , hierarchy

symmetry , geometric planning played important role in ordering complex , reflected trend towards formal systematisation apparent in of arts emanating jahan s imperial patronage. bilateral symmetry expressed simultaneous ideas of pairing, counterparts , integration, reflecting intellectual , spiritual notions of universal harmony. complex set of implied grids based on mughul gaz unit of measurement provided flexible means of bringing proportional order elements of taj mahal.

hierarchical ordering of architecture commonly used emphasise particular elements of design , create drama. in taj mahal, hierarchical use of red sandstone , white marble contributes manifold symbolic significance. mughals elaborating on concept traced roots earlier hindu practices, set out in vishnudharmottara purana, recommended white stone buildings brahmins (priestly caste) , red stone members of kshatriyas (warrior caste). building structures employed such colour-coding, mughals identified 2 leading classes of indian social structure , defined rulers in indian terms. red sandstone had significance in persian origins of mughal empire red exclusive colour of imperial tents. in taj mahal relative importance of each building in complex denoted amount of white marble (or white polished plaster) used.

the use of naturalist ornament demonstrates similar hierarchy. wholly absent more lowly jilaukhana , caravanserai areas, can found increasing frequency processional route approaches climactic mausoleum. symbolism multifaceted, on 1 hand evoking more perfect, stylised , permanent garden of paradise found growing in earthly garden; on other, instrument of propaganda jahan s chroniclers portrayed him erect cypress of garden of caliphate , used plant metaphors praise governance, person, family , court. plant metaphors find common cause hindu traditions such symbols vase of plenty (kalasha) can found.

sound used express ideas of paradise. interior of mausoleum has reverberation time (the time taken when noise made until of echoes have died away) of 28 seconds. provided atmosphere words of employed continually recite qu ran (the hafiz), in tribute , prayer soul of mumtaz, linger in air.

throne of god

diagram of plain of assembly (ard al-hashr) on day of judgment, autograph manuscript of futuhat al-makkiyya sufi mystic , philosopher ibn arabi, ca. 1238.

wayne e. begley put forward interpretation in 1979 exploits islamic idea garden of paradise location of throne of god on day of judgement. in reading taj mahal seen monument shah jahan has appropriated authority of throne of god symbolism glorification of own reign. koch disagrees, finding overly elaborate explanation , pointing out throne verse qu ran (sura 2, verse 255) missing calligraphic inscriptions.

in 1996 begley stated diagram of plain of assembly (ard al-hashr) on day of judgment sufi mystic , philosopher ibn arabi (ca. 1238) source of inspiration layout of taj mahal garden. ibn arabi held in high regard @ time , many copies of futuhat al-makkiyya, contains diagram, available in india. diagram shows arsh (throne of god; circle 8 pointed star), pulpits righteous (al-aminun), 7 rows of angels, gabriel (al-ruh), raf (the barrier), hauzu l-kausar (fountain of abundance; semi-circle in center), al-maqam al-mahmud (the praiseworthy station; prophet muhammad stand intercede faithful), mizan (the scale), as-sirāt (the bridge), jahannam (hell) , marj al-jannat (meadow of paradise). general proportions , placement of throne, pulpits , kausar fountain show striking similarities taj mahal , garden.

symbol of love

the popular view of taj mahal 1 of world s monuments great love story borne out contemporary accounts , scholars accept has strong basis in fact. building used assert jahani propaganda concerning perfection of mughal leadership. extent taj uses propaganda subject of debate amongst contemporary scholars. period of mughal architecture best exemplifies maturity of style had synthesised islamic architecture indigenous counterparts. time mughals built taj, though proud of persian , timurid roots, had come see indian. copplestone writes although native indian production, architectural success rests on fundamentally persian sense of intelligible , undisturbed proportions, applied clean

uncomplicated surfaces.

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