Building of Taj Mahal
Besides the miraculous architectural features and the elaborate ornamentation
of the Taj Mahal, many additional features, which can often be overlooked,
help complement and enhance this spectacular monument.
Unlike other Mughal tombs, the garden of the Taj Mahal has been laid out
entirely in front of the tomb and does not play any part in the 'background'.
Instead, the background has been provided by the sky. This background is
not constant; it changes its colour and texture more than often, and the
Taj is always presented in a variety of tints and moods. Its shades are
subtly reflected on the white marble surface of the Taj Mahal which changes
its colour and complexion accordingly.
The Makrana marble used is of such a nature that it takes on incredibly
subtle variations of tint and tone, according to the changes in the light,
thus picturing the passing colour of the moment.
The colossal height of the tomb, along with its pyramidal appearance (which
is obtained by the receding plinths, the square tomb and the bulbous dome,
along with the pilasters surmounted by pinnacles, the tapering minarets
and the decreasing volume of the dome culminating in a kalasa) give it a
soaring effect. It appears as if it is about to rise into the sky...an ethereal
quality full of lightness and grace.
The indigenous builders of the Taj Mahal fully understood the deceptive
nature of the human eye. They knew that th
e reality and its perception and
interpretation thereof differed. The plinth of the main tomb is 2'10'' high
on an average. But the height varies at different places, particularly the
central point between two piers being in each case 0.5" to 0.7"
higher than the sides.
This convexity has deliberately been given to the plinth in the centre of
each arch, or else the building would have appeared as if it were falling
down! The facades are not exactly at a right angle with the plinth, but
are slightly inclined.
The finial is a stupendous crowning feature which measures nearly 10 meters!!
The architect fully anticipated the apparent size which a finial would present
from such a great height. It has therefore been very ingeniously been planned.
These features of construction demonstrate the ability of the Indian architects
to reconcile the illusionary effects created by distance and light.
