In 1631, Shah Jahan, emperor during the Mughal empire's period of greatest prosperity, was grief-stricken when his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, a Persian princess, died during the birth of their 14th child, Gauhara Begum.[13] Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632.[14] The court chronicles of Shah Jahan's grief illustrate the love story traditionally held as an inspiration for Taj Mahal.[15][16] The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 and the surrounding buildings and garden were finished five years later. Emperor Shah Jahan himself described the Taj in these words:[17]
Should guilty seek asylum here,
Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin.
Should a sinner make his way to this mansion,
All his past sins are to be washed away.
The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;
And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.
In this world this edifice has been made;
To display thereby the creator's glory.
No, I have heard of the Taj Mahal and may have seen a picture of a long time ago, but not in such vivid color, or in such a wide frame. It is absolutely breathtaking.
I loved the backstory as well.
Every day you learn something new and this place is great for that. I am learning things I have never considered before by delving into Emma's World and all the things that you do as well.
There really is something for everyone here.
I am enjoying the peaceful feel here at Camelot, but a wonderful forum like this will not remain a secret.