14 Feb , 10:50
0
On the eve of Valentine's Day, it's particularly relevant to recall the history of the most grandiose monument to love - the Taj Mahal, which costs approximately one billion dollars in modern equivalent.
This magnificent story began in 1631 when Emperor Shah Jahan lost his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal during the birth of their fourteenth child. The inconsolable ruler, whose love transcended the boundaries of life and death, decided to immortalize the memory of his beloved in marble.
Interesting fact: more than 20,000 workers and 1,000 elephants were involved in the construction of the mausoleum, transporting building materials. White marble was delivered from 300 kilometers away in Rajasthan, and precious stones were brought from different corners of the world: turquoise from Tibet, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, sapphires from Sri Lanka.
The chief architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori created a unique project that combined Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural traditions. A special feature of the construction was its four minarets, which are slightly tilted outward - this was done so that in case of an earthquake, they would fall away from the main building.
Today, the Taj Mahal is not only a symbol of eternal love but also a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting more than 7 million tourists annually. This majestic structure reminds us that true love can create wonders that survive centuries.
Taj Mahal, love, Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Mahal, mausoleum, India, architecture, white marble, love story, Valentine's Day, monument, Agra, UNESCO heritage Taj Mahal - the greatest monument to love worth a billion dollars | Creation history The history of the Taj Mahal - the most expensive monument to love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife. Learn about the construction, architecture, and symbolic meaning of this majestic mausoleum.
