Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and regarded as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.
Construction began in 1632 and took roughly 21 years to complete, employing an estimated 20,000 artisans and craftsmen from across the Mughal Empire, Persia, and Central Asia. The mausoleum's central dome and four minarets are built from white marble sourced from Rajasthan.
The complex is renowned for its symmetrical gardens, reflecting pools, and intricate inlay work using precious and semi-precious stones, a technique known as pietra dura.
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the Taj Mahal is widely regarded as a symbol of eternal love and remains one of the most visited monuments in the world.