The Taj Mahal, an exquisite Mughal edifice in Agra, India, is globally recognized as the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. Emperor Shah Jahān commissioned this breathtaking marble monument to honor his wife, Mumtāz Maḥal, who tragically passed away in 1631 during childbirth. This testament to love and loss took approximately 22 years and the dedication of about 20,000 laborers to complete by 1653. The heart of the complex is a majestic white marble mausoleum adorned with semiprecious stones arranged in meticulously detailed inlay work and complemented by four smaller domes. Encircling the tomb are expansive gardens, a mosque, a guest house, and a reflective pool spanning 42 acres. Concerning the immense cost and effort, the resulting marvel is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cherished part of India's rich Mughal history.
Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.