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TAJ MAHAL
TAJ MAHAL
Agra, India
Ustad Ahmad Lahauri (1580–1649), Architect
Lahore, Persia
1653
The Taj Mahal or “crown of palaces” in Agra,
India, marks the culmination of Shah Jahan’s
(1592–1666) architectural activities and was
erected in memory of his beloved consort,
Mumtaz-i-Mahal (1593–1631).
Built in the Mughai architectural style, a
style that combines elements of Persian, Turk-
ish, and Indian architectural influences, the Taj
Mahal is one of the most admired and widely
recognized buildings in the world and has been
described as “the jewel of Muslim art in India.”
Its construction began in 1632 and was
completed in 1653, employing thousands ...