Reliving history

It was a sultry summer morning when I first visited the intriguing Taj Mahal. Accompanied by close family and a guide we were asked to leave our cars behind and walk a small distance to the western gate.

Almost dizzy with excitement I nearly overlooked the flock of camels each partially clothed in stunning hues of reds, blues, purples and yellow. Surrounding them were men in white traditional garb with red turbans.

To my left, I noticed a young boy standing on the way to the entrance trying to sell miniature statues of the Taj Mahal. His blue shirt looked frayed and his torn pants were freckled with mud. His eyes caught my attention, anxious and petrified, they spoke volumes.

The western gate is the main entrance to the Mahal, although tourists are allowed to use the south and east gates as well. Outside the gate is a red sand stone edifice called the Fatehpur Begum who was one of the many wives of emperor Shah Jahan.

Synonymous with romance, this timeless mausoleum built of white marble is the result of an emperors love for his dead wife. Arjumand Banu married off to Shah Jahan at age 19 was titled 'Mumtaz Mahal' or the 'Chosen one of the Palace' by her besotted husband. Described as graceful, beautiful and compassionate she died giving birth to her 14th child. It took all of twenty-two years and twenty thousand people to bring Shah Jahans vision to life.

Inspired by Persian and Mughal architecture the tombstone of the late princess Mumtaz is laid to rest beside the tomb of her husband. The marble dome that houses the tombs is surrounded by four exquisite smaller domes on all quadrants.

Standing on the pathway, staring up at this historic structure, realizing that decades back an emperor heartbroken and determined walked the same grounds, I felt a sudden chill.

The passage to the main dome is flanked by immaculate green lawns on either side. The mausoleum itself is encompassed by a large garden, at the center of which lies a raised marble water tank that flows into a pool reflecting a spectacular image of the structure in its entirety. The intensity of detail in the design of these structures is breathtaking to say the least. Covered in Arabic calligraphy, the walls and interiors whisper stories quoted by Persian poets and the Holy Qur’an. Some doors were sealed shut. Only adding to my excitement and curiosity.

The first time I visited the Taj Mahal I learned something. My lessons remain personal, to find yours - I suggest you go there!