Construction of Taj Mahal(1632 – 1653)

Shah Jahan's 22-year architectural masterpiece (1632-1653) — a marble mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal and the world's greatest monument to love.

Construction of Taj Mahal

What you need to know

  • Construction began 1632 and completed 1653 (21 years)
  • Designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori (primary architect)
  • ~20,000 artisans from across Asia employed
  • Built with white Makrana marble from Rajasthan
  • Inlaid with lapis lazuli, carnelian, jade, and other precious stones
  • Gardens designed as a char-bagh (four-part Islamic garden)
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983
  • One of the New Seven Wonders of the World (2007)

Participants

Shah Jahan
Patron / Commissioner
Mumtaz Mahal
Dedicatee (mausoleum built in her memory)

Theatres

  • Agra

    Site of Construction

Powers

Last updated Edited by Editorial team
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Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Mahal, Agra, UNESCO, Mughal architecture, white marble