Video Activity WorksheetThe Mystery of the Taj Mahal
Directions: Unfold the Mystery!
List of Suspects (people involved)
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20,000 craftsmen (stonecutters, gardeners, calligraphers and
masons)
Shah Jahan & his wife, Muntaz Mahal
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Motive for building (why was it built?)
Muntaz Mahal died giving birth to their 14th child. Shah Jahan was
devastated by her death. After he emerged from a period of solitary
mourning, he vowed to build the most beautiful tomb that ever existed.
The outcome of his desire and vision would be the Taj Mahal
Plans to build (how did they build it?)
Using ramps and pulleys, they carried blocks of white marble from 200 miles
away. It incorporated Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, & Christian designs. There were
intricately carved designs and there are over 43 different inlayed polished
gemstones (carnelian, green jade, lapis lazuli, turquoise, agate, amethyst,
etc.) Also gardens were planted in groups of four because the number four
and its multiples are holy numbers in Islam. Construction began in 1632.
http://vanillatours.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/taj-mahal-themasterpiece-of-mughal-architecture/
Photo of landmark
Difficulties faced
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Used only simple machinery to transport materials and construct it
Took many years to built (22 years) and had to be built in stages
Very expensive (32 million rupees then, equaling over trillions of
dollars today).
Clue or article of evidence
Conclusion (why is it a mystery?)
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Bodies are laid underground.
Inscriptions that describe heaven as “gardens of paradise” (garden design = heaven’s blueprint???)
Architect’s name unknown, although it is believed that
It is rumored that there were deaths, dismemberments and mutilations which Shah Jahan supposedly inflicted on
various architects and craftsmen associated with the tomb. Some stories claim that those involved signed
contracts committing themselves to have no part in any similar design.
Identical black Taj Mahal never laid for himself…rumor about the Black Taj Mahal originates from fanciful writings
of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a European traveler who visited Agra in 1665
A replica of the throne of God???
Has been called Heaven on Earth