Explain tajmahal

The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings ever made. It was built by a Mughal emperor named Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child.

• Built in 1600s India
• Emperor Shah Jahan
• Mumtaz Mahal died 1631

Shah Jahan was heartbroken and decided to build a tomb as a symbol of his love.

Construction took 22 years, from 1632 to 1653, and cost an enormous amount of money. About 20,000 workers and skilled craftsmen worked on this incredible project. The building is made of white marble that was brought from far away.

• 22 years to build
• 20,000 workers involved

The marble has semi-precious stones like jade and crystal inlaid into it, creating beautiful patterns. The Taj Mahal has perfect symmetry: if you draw a line down the middle, both sides match exactly. Today, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors every year.

• Marble with precious stones
• UNESCO World Heritage Site

Quick quiz: Why did Shah Jahan build the Taj Mahal? The Taj Mahal stands as the world's most famous symbol of love and devotion.