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Background Info: King Jahangir Dies
Shah Jahan's father, King Jahangir (former Mughal emperor), dies (important to Mughal empire). -
Shah Jahan Becomes Emperor
Shah Jahan becomes emperor of the Mughal Dynasty (next event shows importance of Shah Jahan). When Shah Jahan ruled the Mughal Empire, the empire attained its highest union of strength. -
City of Agra - Taj Mahal
Agra was first conquered by Muslim invaders in the eleventh century. The city had been transformed into a thriving area of trade during Shah Jahan’s rule (important to empire). Agra is right by the Yamuna River, and that allowed there to be easy access to water. -
Process Begins for Construction of Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his late wife named Mumtaz Mahal (important to empire). The construction began in 1632 AD. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was the main architect of Taj Mahal. -
Taj Mahal Background
Shah Jahan built this as a mosque, monument, and tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This used syncretism. -
Facts
1) The mausoleum was built with white marble (Indian culture), "semi-precious" stones (i.e. crystal, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and more) (Indian culture) forming intricate designs in a technique known as "pietra dura". The mausoleum had domes, arches, geometric designs, and more (Islamic culture).
2) July 7, 2007 Taj Mahal is named one of the Seven Wonders of the World. -
Significance
The superb marble structure in Agra, India, is an enduring monument to the love of Shah Jahan for his favorite wife. The Taj Mahal is also eternal testament to the scientific and artistic accomplishments of a wealthy empire, the Mughals. This building shows the Mughals' extreme wealth and power with the materials that were used and more (power). -
Taj Mahal Completed
The main mausoleum was finished in 1648 AD. More than 20,000 workers aided in the construction of the structure. With all of these people from different countries and empires working, it shows the somewhat unity that the Mughals impacted and influenced with their power and strength (power). -
Shah Jahan Passes Away
Shah Jahan passes away and his remains are placed next to Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal (important to empire).
