1. © 2011 wheresjenny.com Taj Mahal “The jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.“ – UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. © 2011 wheresjenny.com Taj Mahal EnglishFrench Masterpieceschefs-d'œuvre HeritagePatrimoine PlinthsSocles FinialFleuron RelicasRépliques ShrineTombeau RaisedSoulevées PathwaysVoies SunkenEncastrée Flowerbedsparterres de fleurs Water tankRéservoir d'eau The mausoleumle mausolée

3. © 2011 wheresjenny.com Taj Mahal The blue-eyed of the Mughal Royals, the young ‘Khurram’ impressed his father the Emperor Jahangir with his intense military successes.The grateful father rewarded him with the prestigious title 'Shah Jahan Bahadur '. The name Shah Jahan comes from Persian meaning "King of the World.” Arjumand Banu Begum. After their wedding celebrations, Khurram "finding her in appearance and character elect among all the women of the time", gave her the title 'Mumtaz Mahal’ Begum (Chosen-One of the Palace). His trust in her was so great that he even gave her his imperial seal, the Muhr Uzah. She was portrayed as the perfect wife with no aspirations to political power.

4. © 2011 wheresjenny.com Taj Mahal Some of the monuments erected by Shah Jahan Pearl Mosque at Agra Peacock Throne, said to be worth millions of dollars. Diwan-i-Aam in Red Fort, Delhi Diwan-i-Khas in Red Fort, Delhi

5. © 2011 wheresjenny.com Taj Mahal TAJ’S EXTERIOR – A Marvel in Marble The Plinths The Four Minarets The Riverfront Terrace (Chabutra)

6. © 2011 wheresjenny.com Taj Mahal The main finial was made of gold.Caligraphy on large pishtaqHerringbone Plant motifsSpandrel detailIncised painting Reflective tiles normal exposure

7. © 2011 wheresjenny.com Taj Mahal Caligraphy of Persian poems Finial Floor TilingMarble Design Below the Iawns Base, dome, and minaret The Mehman Khana or Asembly Hall

8. © 2011 wheresjenny.com Taj Mahal TAJ’S INTERIORS – A Marvel in Marble Jali screen surrounding the cenotaphs Tombs of Shah Jahan & Mumtaz Mahal at underground level Arch of Jali Detail of Pietra dura jali inlay

9. © 2011 wheresjenny.com Taj Mahal Replicas Of Taj Mahal Miniature Replica of Taj Mahal in the Window of the World Taj Mahal, Bangladesh Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad Tripoli Shrine Temple Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City

10. © 2011 wheresjenny.com Taj Mahal The complex is set around a large 300-metre (980 ft 2 ) Moghul garden The garden uses raised pathways that divide each of the four quarters of the garden into 16 sunken flowerbeds. A raised marble water tank (al Hawd al- Kawthar) at the center of the garden reflects the image of the mausoleum. The garden has a design inspired by Persian gardens.