Taj Mahal

:This article is about the Indian monument. For other uses, see Taj Mahal (disambiguation)

The site

The architectural complex of the Taj Mahal covers an area of approximately 580 m × 300 m, comprised of five main components: the darwaza (gateway), the bageecha (garden) which is in the form of the typical Mughal charbagh (garden divided into four parts), the masjid (mosque), the mihman khana (guest house), and finally the mausoleum of Taj Mahal, at the northern end of the complex.

Related Topics:
Gateway - Garden - Charbagh - Mosque - Mausoleum

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The tomb complex was designed to be accessed from both the north (from the river Yamuna) as well as by land from the south. The southern (land) entry has a monumental gateway and other utility buildings. On entering the gateway, which visually frames the tomb, one is inside the charbagh garden.

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Measuring 300 m × 300 m, the garden has sunken parterres or flower-beds, raised pathways, avenues of trees, water channels and pools that reflect the Taj. At the north end of the garden, along the central axis, is the tomb. To the western or Mecca side of the tomb is a mosque of red sandstone. On the eastern side is a structure that mirrors the design mosque, providing architectural symmetry. This building is known as the jawab ("answer") and was put to use as a guest house.

Related Topics:
Parterre - Mecca - Sandstone

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