It’s impossible to visit India and not see the Taj Mahal, unforgivable even. There is something about seeing it in person that makes it so different than the thousands of times that you've probably seen its image reproduced on television, in books, and on tacky souvenirs.
It possesses a charm that is at the same time romantic and indescribably beautiful. Movie directors have long identified it as having that something special. And Princess Diana would have most certainly agreed when she visited in 1992. It’s a famous icon of India but not just because it’s appeared on many lists naming it as a wonder of the world, but because it also encapsulates India’s enduring grace and dignity.
The History of the Taj Mahal in a Nutshell
The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most recognizable buildings. It is a mausoleum, a memorial built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 whilst giving birth to their fourteenth child. Built of semi-translucent white marble, it took 22 years to complete and is believed to have cost approximately three million rupees, or the equivalent of USD70 million today.
The Taj Mahal is one of the most romantic places on earth, despite the fact that it is a mausoleum. Emperor Shah Jahan built it as a memorial for his much beloved wife, and as far as memorials go, most people would agree that he must have loved her a lot.
You’ll notice straight away that many visitors to the Taj Mahal, are couples, both young and old, both Indian and foreign. The long straight watercourse in front of the Taj Mahal makes for perfect arm in arm strolling. If you are not part of couple, it certainly makes you wish you were, or that your partner was with you.
No matter how many times you’ve seen the Taj Mahal in books, magazines, or the movies, you can’t fail to be overawed by its beauty. No description will ever do it justice. But many have tried. Indian poet, Rabindranath Tagore, described it as ‘a teardrop on the face of eternity’, whilst Rudyard Kipling called it ‘the embodiment of all things pure’.
Thankfully, there are plenty of marble benches on which to sit and contemplate the beauty of the Taj Mahal. It won’t matter that there are a couple of thousand tourists there. The Taj Mahal is so big that all the tourists at the base will look no bigger than ants. No matter how much time you spend, you’ll find that it’s hard to tear yourself away from the magic of this place.
The Taj Mahal as one of the Wonders of the World
It’s not every day that one gets to see one of the wonders of the world. The Taj Mahal has appeared on various lists of world wonders. It is sometimes included in the list of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages and has been suggested as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. One might also imagine that it’s appeared on a list somewhere as one of the Architectural Wonders of the world.
1992 Visit to the Taj Mahal by Princess Diana
The Taj Mahal should be high up on the list of places to visit for die hard Princess Diana fans. She visited the Taj Mahal in 1992 on a state visit. The famous photo of her seated alone on a marble bench in front of the Taj Mahal, is one that every second visitor to the Taj wants to replicate.
Whilst it will be impossible to get a photo of yourself with nobody else in it, it will be fun trying. At the very least, you can line up and have a photo of yourself taken on the very same marble bench as she had hers taken.
The Taj Mahal in Movies
With such a famous face, it’s no wonder that the Taj Mahal has appeared as a backdrop on numerous movies. Add Emperor Shah Jahan’s love story to the mix, and it’s understandable that there are at least two movies that had been made about the famous love story. The most recent version will be Ben Kingsley’s epic, Taj, due for release in 2011.
Amongst the most popular movies that have featured the Taj Mahal are James Bond’s Octopussy in 1983, Armageddon in 1998, and Slumdog Millionaire in 2009.
The Taj Mahal is representative of the Indian way of life. First time visitors will quickly notice that India is a land of opposites and extremes. The most beautiful saris are worn by poor women working in the fields. Strangers on the street will walk for blocks with you when you ask them for directions, and ask nothing in return. Similarly, the Taj Mahal is an over-the-top monument to love built by a loving husband for a dead wife.
The Taj Mahal also presents a unique opportunity to really feel what it’s like to be in India. If you want to walk up onto the main part of the Taj Mahal, you must either take off your shoes, or wear a protective sheath around your shoes.
I’m not a big fan of walking barefoot. However, I recommend it here since it’s clean. The cool marble beneath your feet will remind you that India has a calm and graceful demeanor that hides a remarkable passion for life and for love.
The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal will take your breath away and leave you lost for words. It’s a wonder of the world in so many ways. It’s definitely not to be missed. For more cheap affordable holidays packages to India, Mauritius, South Africa pleae visit http://www.uliketoursandtravel.co.za/
No comments:
Post a Comment