TAJ MAHAL A Wonder of the World

MUGHAL EMPRESS MUMTAZ MAHAL THE CAUSE OF THE TAJ MUGHAL EMPRESS MUMTAZ MAHAL TAJ MAHAL A SYMBOL OF ETERNAL LOVE THE MAKER OF THE TAJ MUGHAL EMPEROR SHAJ JAHAN

Location of Taj Mahal In the Northern part of India. City: Agra, on the banks of River Yamuna State: Uttar Pradesh Distance from New Delhi: 204 km

TAJ MAHAL FACTS The Taj Mahal also known as “The Taj” is a white marble Mausoleum located in Agra, India on the banks of River Jamuna. The Taj Mahal literally means “The Crown Palace”. Built by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in honor of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Mughal/Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage." The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing several thousands (estimated 22,000) of artisans and craftsmen. A very popular myth regarding the Taj Mahal is that all of the artisans and skilled workers had their hands removed when the building was finally finished. This was to ensure no other structure could compare to the magnificent Taj Mahal. Another interesting Taj Mahal fact is that the building will appear to be a different color depending on what time of day it is, and whether or not there is a moon at night.

The Architecture of The Taj -a fine example of incredible symmetry The Taj Mahal incorporates the design traditions of Persian architecture and earlier Mughal architecture. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was the chief designer. PLANT MOTIFS The tomb is the central focus of the entire complex of the Taj Mahal. This large, white marble structure stands on a square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway) topped by a large dome and finial. CALLIGRAPHY The symmetry of the structure, is perfect except for the interior tombs. Tradition dictated that the tomb for the male must be larger than the one for the female. MINARET One of the really fascinating Taj Mahal facts has to do with the exterior pillars. These were placed at an outward tilt, so if an earthquake occurred the fall of the pillars could be controlled. PARCHINKARI – An art form were bright gemstones were inlaid into the marble. For the Taj Mahal Green jade from China, turquoise from Himalaya Mountains, deep blue lapis lazuli from central Asia were some of the precious materials used. CALLIGRAPHY is a type of Visual Art and often called the Art of Fancy Lettering. MINARET is a tall tower with an onion shaped crown. PARCHINKARI The exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal are among the finest in Mughal architecture. The decorative elements were created by applying paint, stucco, stone inlays, or carvings. The decorative elements can be grouped into either calligraphy, abstract forms or vegetative motifs.

SOME EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF THE TAJ

LOVE TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED IN FRONT OF PEOPLE LOVE TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED IN FRONT OF THE TAJ A man in prayerful meditation A group of tourists from different parts of the world A contemplating celebrity Images courtesy of Google Images. A fun pose that every tourist aspires to get hold. Mickey & Minnie in traditional Indian attire.

Official Website of Taj Mahal from the Govt.of India http://www.tajmahal.gov.in/home.html

Interesting Books on Taj Mahal Check out your local library for these interesting titles Taj Mahal: A Story of Love and Empire by Elizabeth Mann and Alan Witschonke T is for Taj Mahal: An India Alphabet Varsha Bajaj (Author), Robert Crawford (Illustrator) Taj Mahal By Giles Tillotson

Learning to draw symmetrical structures. Art Project Learning to draw symmetrical structures. 1.Each student will create their own symmetrical structure based on the photographs. See examples of completed projects. (Next slide) 3. Use 12 x 18" white paper in landscape orientation. Fold paper in half to create line of symmetry. 4. Using ruler and pencil, draw ground line 2-4" from bottom of paper. 5. Using ruler, draw a square or rectangle over the line of symmetry. Continue drawing building out from center, making sure both sides of paper are the same. After main frame of building is complete, draw details free hand. The only portion of the picture which can be asymmetrical is the sky. 6. Outline drawing with permanent black marker. 7. You can color the insides using crayons, markers or time-permitting some watercolors.

Symmetrical Structures inspired by Taj Mahal Examples of students’ artwork Source: Jarrettown Elementary School (Dresher, PA)

TAJ MAHAL PUZZLE http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/8D055D4B3215 try this at home and you’ll realize that no wonder it’s a wonder. http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/8D055D4B3215 You can increase the complexity based on your capacity to solve puzzles.

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