The well-illustrated story of the building of the Taj Mahal, one of the world's most beautiful monuments, and the Mughal dynasty in India whose 5th emperor built it.

Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal in Agra is arguably the most iconic image of India and is visited by eight million tourists annually. It was characterized as "pure, perfect and unutterably lovely" by the British Viceroy, Lord Curzon, and in 1983, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site of "outstanding universal value." For centuries the world has believed that it was built by Shah Jahan in 1631 to immortalize his love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Certain mysteries and myths that surround the monument have recently come to the fore in the country, stimulating a public debate about the place it holds as a true representation of Indian culture. Inside you will read about... - The Life of Mumtaz Mahal: The Jewel of the Palace - The Building of the Taj Mahal - A UNESCO World Heritage Site - Myths, Conjecture, and Controversy - The 22 Locked Rooms in the Basement And much more! This book presents the five main historical figures of the Mughal Empire in India during that period as well as many details of how the Taj Mahal was built. It traces the events that have led to the present controversy.

While Galileo suffered under house arrest at the hands of Pope Urban VIII, the Thirty Years War ruined Europe, and the Pilgrims struggled to survive in the New World, work began on what would become one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Taj Mahal. Built by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, its flawless symmetry and gleaming presence have for centuries dazzled everyone who has seen it, and the story of its creation is a fascinating blend of cultural and architectural heritage. Yet, as Diana & Michael Preston vividly convey in the first narrative history of the Taj, it also reflects the magnificent history of the Moghul Empire itself, for it turned out to mark the high point of the Empire's glory at the same time as it became a tipping point in Moghul fortunes. The roots of the Moghul Empire lie with the legendary warriors Genghis Khan and Tamburlaine; at its height it contained 100 million people, from Afghanistan in the north and present-day Pakistan in the west, to Bengal in the east and southwards deep into central India.. With the storytelling skills that characterize their previous books, Diana & Michael Preston bring alive both the grand sweep of Moghul history and the details that make it memorable: the battles and dynastic rivalries that forged the Empire alongside an intimate chronicle of daily life within the imperial palace. A tale of overwhelming passion, the story of the Taj has the cadences of Greek tragedy and the ripe emotion of grand opera, and puts a memorable human face on the marble masterpiece.

The Taj Mahal in India has been called a 'teardrop on the cheek of time'. This grand monument that was raised to house the mortal remains of Mumtaz Mahal, the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's beloved wife, today draws millions of visitors from across the globe. One of more than 85 titles Campfire has published since their introduction to North America in 2010. This is the story behind the Taj Mahal - of the incredible love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, how they met and fell in love, and how Shah Jahan was to lose her as she died while giving birth. This is also the story of how the Taj Mahal was built, and how the great Mughal emperor spent his last days imprisoned in his fort, pining for his beloved Mumtaz, as he gazed over the river for a view of the magnificent edifice, a monumental reminder of his love and loss.

The illustrated story of this famous monument. 48p. 5-8 yrs.

Immerse yourself in the timeless tale of love and legacy with "The Story of Taj Mahal" by Jayprakash Chowksey. Explore the rich history and captivating mythology surrounding one of the world's most iconic monuments as Chowksey unveils the secrets and symbolism behind the magnificent Taj Mahal. Join Chowksey as he takes you on a journey through the centuries, tracing the origins of the Taj Mahal from its conception to its construction and eventual status as a global symbol of love and beauty. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Chowksey brings to life the fascinating story behind this architectural marvel. Delve into the themes of love, loss, and eternal devotion as you unravel the mysteries of the Taj Mahal. From the legendary romance of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal to the intricate craftsmanship and architectural brilliance that went into its creation, Chowksey explores the myriad layers of symbolism and significance that have made the Taj Mahal a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to enduring love. Experience the grandeur and majesty of the Taj Mahal as Chowksey takes you on a virtual tour of this architectural wonder. Through stunning photographs, detailed descriptions, and historical anecdotes, he invites readers to marvel at the beauty of the Taj Mahal and contemplate its significance as a monument to human creativity and craftsmanship. The overall tone of "The Story of Taj Mahal" is one of reverence, awe, and admiration for the enduring legacy of this architectural masterpiece. With its blend of history, mythology, and cultural significance, the book offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the Taj Mahal's place in world history and its enduring impact on global culture. Since its publication, "The Story of Taj Mahal" has captivated readers with its captivating narrative and stunning visuals. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Chowksey's passion for the subject and his ability to convey the magic and mystique of the Taj Mahal to readers of all ages. Whether you're a history buff, a lover of architecture, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, "The Story of Taj Mahal" offers a captivating and immersive reading experience that will transport you to a world of romance, beauty, and cultural significance. Join Jayprakash Chowksey on a journey through time and discover the enchanting story behind one of the world's most beloved landmarks. Don't miss your chance to explore the captivating tale of love and legacy with "The Story of Taj Mahal" by Jayprakash Chowksey. Let its stunning visuals and engaging narrative transport you to the heart of this architectural marvel and uncover the secrets of its timeless beauty. Secure your copy now and embark on a journey through history, romance, and cultural heritage with one of the world's most iconic monuments.

How Taj Mahal came about narrated as a love story.

An enduring monument of haunting beauty, the Taj Mahal seems a symbol of stability itself. The familiar view of the glowing marble mausoleum from the gateway entrance offers the very picture of permanence. And yet this extraordinary edifice presents a shifting image to observers across time and cultures. The meaning of the Taj Mahal, the perceptions and responses it prompts, ideas about the building and the history that shape them: these form the subject of Giles Tillotson's book. More than a richly illustrated historyÑthough it is that as wellÑthis book is an eloquent meditation on the place of the Taj Mahal in the cultural imagination of India and the wider world. Since its completion in 1648, the mausoleum commissioned by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, has come to symbolize many things: the undying love of a man for his wife, the perfection of Mughal architecture, the ideal synthesis of various strands of subcontinental aesthetics, even an icon of modern India itself. Exploring different perspectives brought to the magnificent structureÑby a Mughal court poet, an English Romantic traveler, a colonial administrator, an architectural historian, or a contemporary Bollywood filmmakerÑthis book is an incomparable guide through the varied and changing ideas inspired by the Taj Mahal, from its construction to our day. In Tillotson's expert hands, the story of a seventeenth-century structure in the city of Agra reveals itself as a story about our own place and time.

A sumptuously illustrated portrait of perhaps the most fascinating architectural marvel of all time. Built between 1632 and 1643 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his deceased wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is unquestionably the most renowned mausoleum in the world. Now this legendary monument to love can be seen as no visitor to the site has ever viewed it. On the pages of this exquisitely illustrated volume, the Taj Mahal is revealed detail by detail. Starting inside the mausoleum, a sequence of closeups show the semiprecious stones, inlaid in white marble, that form the interior's Koranic calligraphy and floral patterns. The next sequence of images presents the octagonal plan of the structure, emphasizing both its perfect symmetry and its subtle variations. The final sequence is devoted to the decorative patterns carved in the walls of the mosque and entrance gate. In addition, four lavish fold-out photographs show the entire Taj Mahal complex from different perspectives. In their informative texts, authors Amina Okada and M.C. Joshi provide historical and architectural analyses of the Taj Mahal. Quotations from the Koran and from the journals of travelers as diverse as Jean-Bapiste Tavernier, Pierre Loti, and Aldous Huxley complete a breathtaking tribute.

Recounts the history of the creation of the Taj Mahal, built as a tomb and memorial for the wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.