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The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. Completed in 1653, the Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It combines elements of Islamic, Persian, and Indian architecture and is renowned for its intricate marble inlays, stunning gardens, and symmetrical design. The Taj Mahal attracts millions of visitors each year and is a symbol of love and architectural brilliance.

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Let’s solve a puzzle! What is the connection between leaves, mood rings, and the Taj Mahal?

Here’s a clue: Chameleons can also be added to the list.

That’s correct, all the items on the list change colors!

But wait, isn’t the Taj Mahal a building? You might be wondering how a building can change colors. We wondered about that too!

The Taj Mahal (which means “Crown of the Palaces”) is a palace located in northern India. It is constructed using white marble adorned with jade, sapphire, and turquoise stones. As the position of the sun changes throughout the day, the light interacts with the stones in different ways, creating an illusion of color change.

Visitors who go to the Taj Mahal in the morning see a pink hue. At noon, it appears bright white. Those who visit at night claim that the Taj Mahal has a hint of gold. Additionally, on foggy days, some people say that the palace seems almost transparent!

So who was responsible for building the Taj Mahal? In the early 1600s, a man named Shah Jahan ruled over northern India. He deeply loved his wife, whom he referred to as Mumtaz Mahal (meaning “Chosen One of the Palace”). Legend has it that Shah Jahan promised his wife he would construct the greatest tomb in the world for her. When Mumtaz Mahal passed away in 1631, Shah Jahan instructed builders to create the Taj Mahal.

More than 20,000 individuals and 1,000 elephants worked on the project for 22 years. By 1653, Shah Jahan had spent 32 million rupees to build the Taj Mahal, which would equate to 70 billion rupees (over one billion US dollars) today!

Shah Jahan laid Mumtaz Mahal to rest deep underground beneath the Taj Mahal’s dome. A few years later, when Shah Jahan died, his children buried him next to his wife. After his death, Shah Jahan’s empire fell apart.

For two centuries, the Taj Mahal was neglected and left uncared for. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, British soldiers stole many valuable stones from its walls. The condition of the Taj Mahal deteriorated until the Indian government cleaned and restored it towards the end of the 19th century.

Today, the Taj Mahal is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting over three million visitors annually! In 1983, it was designated as a World Heritage site by the United Nations. Furthermore, in 2007, it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

However, the future of the Taj Mahal is at risk due to air pollution. The Indian government is taking measures to protect the palace. With proper care, the Taj Mahal can continue to mesmerize visitors with its color-changing illusions for many years to come!

Try It Out

Remember to enlist the help of a friend or family member for these activities!

Discover the Secrets of the Taj Mahal

If you are interested in learning more about the Taj Mahal, we have eight secrets that you might find intriguing. Have you heard any of these before? What is the most fascinating fact you have discovered about the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is a renowned tourist destination that attracts visitors from all around the globe. Take a moment to discuss with a friend or family member the tourist spots in your city or state. Which places would you recommend to someone visiting your area? If a traveler asked for your advice, where would you suggest they go?

Do you want to experience the Taj Mahal without leaving your home? Take a look at these breathtaking photographs of the Taj Mahal and other UNESCO World Heritage sites. What stands out to you about the architecture of the Taj Mahal? Are there any other sites that you would like to explore?

Recommended Sources

• https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/world-heritage/taj-mahal/ (accessed on Jan 29, 2019)
• https://www.tajmahal.org.uk/history.html (accessed on Jan 29, 2019)
• https://www.history.com/topics/india/taj-mahal (accessed on Jan 29, 2019)
• https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/08/the-taj-mahal-is-wasting-away-and-it-may-soon-hit-the-point-of-no-return (accessed on Jan 29, 2019)