The Secret Of The TaJ Mahal - Part 1

Continued From: http://theforgottenempiresofindia.blogspot.ca/2015/11/fatehpur-sikri-search-for-truth-part-6.html

We stood gazing at the beautiful monument bathed in the moonlight. The cool breeze from the Yamuna carried with it fragrance from the orchards and gardens surrounding the complex.  The moonlight reflected off of the white marble surface enhanced the splendor of the structure. We were standing in the Taj complex drinking in the beauty of the entire structure. The moonlight coloured the waterways and the fountains in silver. The orchards drenched in moonbeams looked ethereal. Everything worked together to add the magic. The gardens cover an area of 300m X 300m; the garden is divided into 4 sections with 16 flower beds per section. At the centre of the garden, right in front of the Taj is a beautiful lotus tank. During daytime, the garden reverberates with the melodious chirping of birds. The fruit orchards, waterways and fountains make us forget that we are visiting a tomb. It feels as though it has to be an enchanting palace constructed for the living.

Most people come here because of what the monument stands for; the symbol of eternal love. What could be more romantic than an emperor building a monument to enshrine his love?  The  memory of his sweetheart preserved for eternity within the walls of the marble palace. 

The proximity to the River Yamuna added many challenges to laying the foundation. The completion of the foundation in itself was a herculean task! Our research revealed the ingenuity of the builders. Due to the proximity to the river, in order to prevent flooding, the builders first dug many deep wells to reach below the water table. These wells were filled with rock and mortar. Upon the wells were erected strong columns held together by massive arches. On top of this structure was laid the floor of the foundation. The 34,596 square feet structure sits on top of nearly 13 meter deep foundation measured from the ground level.  The foundation work itself must have taken many years to complete due to the lack of mechanized tools. It is commonly believed that it took 22 years to complete this mammoth project which also involved clearing the 55 acres to prepare for construction; but, to our surprise, we learn from the Padshanama, the biography of Emperor Shah Jahan that the entire monument was constructed within a years’ time! One year to clear the property, build the foundation, erect the 34,000 square feet , seven storied red brick building , cover the bricks with white marble, etch intricate designs on the marble, prepare the site for landscaping, complete landscaping (plant flowering , fruiting and Cyprus trees) along with the waterways with large aqueducts to bring water from the Yamuna River.  How could the builders have completed all the above tasks in just a years’ time 300 years ago?

Continued On http://theforgottenempiresofindia.blogspot.ca/2016/02/the-secret-of-taj-mahal-part-2.html