Taj Mahal Architecture

The garden:

The Taj Mahal India is set amidst the beautifully landscaped gardens which are known as the Chahar Bagh gardens. The gardens are spread on a sprawling area of 300 sq meters and reveal Persian styles of decoration. The garden is dissected by raised pathways into 16 flowerbeds. In the heart of the garden is a marble water tank, Hawd al-Kawthar, which beautifully reflects the image of the Taj Mahal. The garden looks like a paradise with trees and bubbling fountains.

Outlying buildings:

The Taj Mahal is bounded on three sides by walls of red sands. Outside there are a miniature mausoleums. The gardens in the inner side are fenced with columned arcades. The main gateway is a marble structure with Mughal architecture. The tomb is decorated with archways with pietra dura and bas-relief decorations that have floral motifs. The ceilings have geometric designs.

The tomb:

The focus of Taj Mahal is the white marble tomb, which stands on a square plinth consisting of a symmetrical building with an iwan, an arch-shaped doorway, topped by a large dome. Like most Mughal tombs, basic elements are Persian in origin.

Exteriors:

The decorative elements adorning the exteriors were made by painting or stucco with stone carvings. Plant and floral motifs can be seen on the gateway, minarets, mosque, and the surfaces of the tomb.

Interiors:

The inner chamber is designed in the shape of an octagon with an interior dome which has a sun motif. There are balconies and windows with jail work or marble work. There are eight marble panels with intricate architecture. Also semiprecious stones and floral motifs décor the walls.