The Taj Mahal was built by Mongul emperor Shan Jahan in honor of his second and favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal (or "Exalted of the Palace"). She was his one true love and constant companion, and when she died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631, her dying wish was that he built a monument to symbolize their love. The building took 17 years to complete and was designed by two Persian architects. Marble was brought across the country by armies of a thousand elephants, and about two dozen precious stones are inlaid in the intricate designs inside. When the emperor died in 1666, he was buried inside the Taj Mahal beside his beloved wife, and the two are united to this day. How's that for a love story?
I've always thought this place was beautiful. I'd love to visit it one day. And the story behind it is great I would have never known any of that!
ReplyDeleteThat's so sweet. I never know that about the Taj Mahal--beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see oil paintings of the monument capturing such beauty.
Yeah Alexandria I should do one sometime. I did a watercolor of it at sunset once that I don't think is too good.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is such a great idea! Love this post. Such a cool story too.
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