Often called “a love poem in stone,” the Taj Mahal is well-known for being one of the most beautiful buildings ever created. It is also perhaps the most beautiful expression of love in the world.
The emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for his empress, Mumtaz Mahal, The couple lived happily together for 18 years. Then Mumtaz died during the brith of their fourteenth child Before she died, the emperor made her a promise. To remember her, he would build the most beautiful monument in ther world.
The emperor poured his passion and wealth into building the Taj Mahal. It is said that it took more than 20,000 people and 1,000 elephants to build. They worked for over 20 years to build the monument and its central dome, which stands over 73 meters above the ground.
Soon after the building war finished, Shah Jahan’s son became emperor. He put Shah Jahan in prison. Shah Jahan lived there until his death in 1666, when his body was put in the Taj Mahal with the woman he loved.
There are many legends about the Taj Mahal. In one story, when the building was complete, Shah Jahan had the builders’ hands cut off, supposedly so they could never build anything as beautiful as the Taj Mahal. Another says he also wanted to build a black Taj Mahal. These are interesting stories, but they are most likely not true.
The love story between Shah Jahan and his wife ended sadly. But the monument to their love still stands today. It is visited by millions of tourists, who come to see the marble change color in the light of the rising sun or a full moon.