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If we refer to the image above, we will find the main characteristics of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal sits on an elevated base, around 6 meters in height. The onion dome is a typical element of Mughal architecture. It is emphasized with the chattris, the four smaller domed buildings surrounding it. It is crowned with a lotus embellishment, which is a prominent Hindu symbol, and a bronze-gilded finial (CulturalIndia.net, n.d.). The guldastas are tall decorative spires that further emphasizes the height of the structure (Taj Mahal, n.d.). The entrance is a pishtaq arch, which indicates that there is more than one floor in the building (CulturalIndia.net, n.d.). Peculiarly, the minarets were built to lean away from the main dome. This actually serves a very important function: in case of an earthquake, the minaret towers would crumble away from the tombs.

The main chamber of the Taj Mahal is a cavernous, octagonal room with each side leading to smaller areas. The walls are decorated opulently-- gemstones and mosaic patterns are inlaid onto the walls. The 99 different names of Allah is inscribed on the tombs itself. The walls are polished brightly so that they reflect the light coming in from the lattice windows high above (CulturalIndia.net, n.d.). Truly, the beauty and magnificence of the Taj Mahal is a worthy symbol of the love and power of an emperor.

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Cheng, L. (2017) Eight Secrets of the Taj Mahal. Available at: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/eight-secrets-taj-mahal-180962168/ (Accessed: 24 September 2019).

CulturalIndia.net (no date) Taj Mahal. Available at: https://www.culturalindia.net/monuments/taj-mahal.html (Accessed: 22 September 2019).

Dudley, Louise and Austin, Faricy.  “Form Follows Function”. The Humanities.  pp. 105-107.  Print.

Leynes, Mairene and Noche, Manuel.  Manuscript. Architecture.  2017.  Print.

‘Taj Mahal’ (no date) World Architecture Series. Available at: http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/architecture/taj-mahal.htm (Accessed: 22 September 2019).

UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2019) Taj Mahal. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252/ (Accessed: 22 September 2019).

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UNESCO World Heritage Site

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1632-1653 A.D., 21 years

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Mughal Style, with Persian influences

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Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

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The Taj’s exterior is made completely out of white marble, a contrast to the red sandstone commonly used in Mughal architecture. The utilization of white marble allows light to reflect upon it, thus creating a breathtaking color-changing effect depending on the time of day. The structure’s design makes use of contrast: solid walls with void arches, concave balconies with convex domes, the shadow cast by such a great building and the light reflected on its walls. There is contrast and yet we are still able to find harmony and balance-- we are able to find peace.

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Famously renowned for its architectural magnificence, the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Shah Jahan to commemorate his beloved wife, Mumtaj Mahal (CulturalIndia.net, n.d.). Its primary function was as a tomb for her. However, beyond honoring the memory of his wife, various accounts prove that Shah Jahan also intended to use the Taj Mahal as a symbol of power. To be able to fulfill that purpose, as well as to serve the first purpose of honoring Mumtaj Mahal, the Taj Mahal was designed extravagantly with elements like calligraphic inscriptions, and inlaid gemstones (Cheng, 2017).

The Taj Mahal and the surrounding complex was planned and built to be perfectly symmetrical and balanced in its composition (UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2019). The central focus of the complex is the tomb itself. It houses the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaj Mahal, though their actual remains are buried in an underground chamber. Since Shah Jahan did not intend for himself to be buried inside the Taj Mahal, his tomb is positioned to the left of the building. This is the only thing in the entire complex that does not follow a symmetrical arrangement (Cheng, 2017).

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"Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones."

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"Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor's love wrought in living stones."

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- Edwin Arnold

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Architecture has both form and function. Without one of the two, a structure becomes a mere construction or a mere sculpture. Marcus Vitruvius Polio, an ancient Roman writer, was able to concisely describe architecture as the union of “firmness, commodity, and delight.” It must be structurally sound so that it may be safe for use. It must be practically useful so that it may not be mistaken for a mere statue. It must be aesthetically beautiful so that it may become more than just a soulless building (Noche & Leynes, 2017).

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If an artwork has a utilitarian aspect, it is natural that its form follows its function. Art can not be judged as beautiful if it is not able to fulfill the role for which it was created for (Austin & Dudley, n.d.). What use is a house if one can not live inside it? A house must have at the very least four walls, a ceiling, and a door. However, this brings to mind another question. What pleasure can you find in living in a house with only four walls, a ceiling, and a door? The answer is none. As such, we human beings have developed architecture so that we may build structures that satisfy both our minds, through its function which fulfills our needs and wants, and our hearts, through its form which fulfills our desire for the beautiful.

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Ustad Ahmed Lahori

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Height: 68 m., 6 m. platform
Base: 55 m. on all sides