Those who live in a Muslim country, or one that is predominantly Muslim, know the precious place which women deserve in our society. They know the central role which women play in our families. They know the love and the sacrifices which Muslim women make every day for those they cherish.
Shah Jehan was the fifth Mughal emperor. His capital, Agra, was capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16th and through to the early 18th centuries. The tomb he built here, the Taj Mahal, was not built as a monument to himself, but was to record for all time the love he bore for his wife. They had been married for 18 years and had 14 children. She traveled with him everywhere, even on his military campaigns, and it was whilst giving birth to their 14th child that she died. It is said that her husband was so distressed after her death that his beard and hair had all turned completely white within a few months. When Shah Jehan himself died he was buried in a modest tomb next to his wife. The love he showered upon her, even after her death, has now been immortalized in stone.
Construction of the Taj Mahal was begun in Agra soon after Mumtaz's death. The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648, and the surrounding buildings and garden five years later. Visiting Agra in 1663, the French traveller François Bernier wrote:
I shall finish this letter with a description of the two wonderful mausoleums which constitute the chief superiority of Agra over Delhi. One was erected by Jehan-guyre [sic] in honor of his father Ekbar; and Chah-Jehan raised the other to the memory of his wife Tage Mehale, that extraordinary and celebrated beauty, of whom her husband was so enamoured it is said that he was constant to her during life, and at her death was so affected as nearly to follow her to the grave.
The Taj Mahal, a monument of love, speaks to the world of a love between a Muslim husband and his wife that was both romantic and enduring. The very refinement and elegance of the place speaks of the refinement and elegance of Islam itself. In presenting such Islamic art to the world, we show others what Islam is like. Rabindranath Tagore described the Taj Mahal as "a teardrop on the cheek of time." It serves to show all people not only the precious place that Muslim women have, but also the very beauty of Islam itself that would reduce to tears even the strongest of men.
Narration & View panorama of The Taj Mahal via java or Quicktime
How to get from Delhi to Agra.???I arrive to Delhi Airport
The Best way is to catch Shatabdi Express Train from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi.
Or prefer 4x4
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