Tuesday, March 6, 2012

For the Love of Taj

We all have been waiting in anticipation to see the frequently spoken about and photographed building in all of India.  After seeing so many impressive forts, temples and palaces throughout the state of Rajhastan we were a little worried that by the time we saw the Taj, it would not be as impressive as we had anticipated.  Our worries were for not; the majestic Taj does not disappoint!
Our first view of the Taj through the North Gate

The Taj Mahal is a beautiful structure (one of the 7 man made wonders of the world) inspired by a most beautiful love story.  Shah Jahan (who would become Emperor in 1628) met Mumtaz Mahal in the Meena Bazaar in Agra.  They fell in love and were married 4 years later in the year 1612 (He was 19 and she, 20).  Although Mumtaz was only one of the  Emperor's wives, she was definitely his favourite and accompanied him everywhere.  19 years into their marriage, Mumtaz died giving birth to their 14th child.  On her death bed she made Shah Jahan promise that he would build her a huge monument and never marry again.  It took 22 years to build and is now THE most visited monument in all of India.

After completing the great Taj, the now elderly and still heartbroken king began clearing a site for a black tomb for himself, that would be located directly across the river from the Taj.  His son, worried that taking on yet another large scale project would bankrupt the kingdom,  put his father, Shah Jahan, under house arrest until his death in 1666.
The Maharajah standing on the site of his soon to be erected black
tomb, imagining the satisfaction of always being able to look upon his beloved.

2 comments:

  1. Wow, never knew the history around such a beautiful structure. Thank you.
    In total admiration of you being where you are, doing the fascinating things you are doing. Phenomenal timing taking this year for this experience, Heather.

    Missing you,
    Michelle P.

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  2. Hi Chloe!
    WoW that Taj Mahal is really nice!!!
    You are soooo lucky to have gone there!
    What were other of your favorite places that you went to?
    What ia your favorite things that you have done so far?


    THAT'S IT,
    BYE!!!

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