|
The exclusive
Mughal fashion combines elements of Persian, Central
Asian, and
Islamic architecture. The mosques, built only to balance the
composition are set properly far away to do no more than frame
the tomb. In spirit, the whole riverside platform is a mosque
patio with a tomb at its center. The great entrance gate with
its domed central hall, set at the end of the long stream, would
in any other setting be a monument in its own right. The Taj
stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186
feet) with its
four corners truncated, forming an unbalanced octagon. The
architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in
which each element stands on its own and completely integrates
with the main structure. It uses the morality of self
replicating geometry and symmetry of architectural elements.
The four elegant and slender 162.5 feet minarets, set
symmetrically about the tomb, are scaled down to heighten the
effect of the dominant, faintly round dome. Its central dome is
58 feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet it is
flanked by four supplementary domed chambers. The tomb of the
Taj Mahal at Agra stands in a properly laid out walled garden
entered through an exhibition area.
|
