Taj and More

Some serious emeralds!

Entrance Agra Fort 

Shah Jahan's prison, all white marble where he could look out at the Taj being built

Garden at Agra Fort

"Baby Taj" 

The bodies lie beneath these monuments in the earth

Today we started early (for us) and went to see the interior of the Taj Mahal. Everyone is aware of the beauty of the Taj, but I was surprised again of the sheer massive size of it. It is taller than a 30-story building. There are no other structures near it to interfere with viewing the Taj. Everyone is familiar with the white domed monument but it has two twin buildings on either side, one a functioning mosque the other a duplicate of the mosque but it has no functional purpose other than for symmetry. The details of the inlay and the marble work are extraordinary. When we last saw the Taj 8 years ago, I thought that was 1 and done, I would never see it again. I am glad we returned, especially staying at the Oberoi.

We had an excellent guide these last two days, explaining everything from the architecture, to the famous love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, to the complicated Mughal Dynasties. Shah Jahan had 15 children by Mumtaz who died while giving birth. He had the Taj built as a memorial to her and her final resting place. His son, Aurangzeb, overthrew him and imprisoned him in the Agra Fort where he could look out and see the Taj being built. Shah Jahan was himself then buried at the Taj. Being Muslim, they had to be buried in the earth and their remains are far beneath the Taj not contained within it.

We then went to Kohinor Jewelers. A very exclusive jewelry store with a history going back many generations. Within the store there is a museum of works by the Silk Embroidery artist Shams. They are amazing works of art. He eventually went blind from the intense work. They also had some jewelry that were originally worn by Mumtaz. Cathy tried on some fancy jewelry that we would have had to sell our house if she really wanted it. They were very nice to us.

Next we went to the Agra Fort. The fort is well preserved. The emotional highlight for us was the beautiful rooms that Shah Jahan was imprisoned in, that looked out across the river where he could watch the Taj being built.

Next on to the structure often called “Baby Taj”. This mausoleum, although quite small by comparison was built before the Taj for the parents of one of the wives of a previous Emperor. The structure certainly served as an inspiration for the ultimate design of the Taj. After exploring the mausoleum we returned to our hotel for lunch and to rest.