Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan I, died on 17 June 1631 while giving birth to the couple’s 14th child. She was 38 years old.
Her death devastated the emperor, who is said to have entered a prolonged period of mourning. According to historical accounts, Shah Jahan vowed to honour her memory by constructing a mausoleum unlike any the world had seen.
A monument built for love
Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. Thousands of craftsmen, artisans and labourers worked on the white marble complex, which took more than 20 years to complete.
Blending Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural styles, the monument features intricate marble inlay, calligraphy and symmetrical gardens, making it one of the greatest achievements of Mughal architecture.
A lasting global icon
Today, the Taj Mahal is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year. Often described as the world’s greatest monument to love, it remains one of India’s most recognisable landmarks and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Nearly four centuries after Mumtaz Mahal’s death, the story behind the Taj Mahal continues to captivate people around the globe, standing as a lasting symbol of devotion, grief and architectural brilliance.
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