Today we visit the Taj Mahal, an artist workshop who excel in marble inlay and then enjoy a wonderful live Bollywood show that tells of the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal , which culminated in the building of the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is more than just a masterpiece of Mughal architecture; it is often described as “a teardrop on the cheek of time,” serving as a monumental tribute to a profound love story.

The story begins in 1607, when the young Prince Khurram (the future Emperor Shah Jahan) met Arjumand Banu Begum at a marketplace. It was reportedly love at first sight.

• The Marriage: They married five years later in 1612. Upon their marriage, he gave her the title Mumtaz Mahal, meaning “the Exalted One of the Palace.”

• An Inseparable Bond: Unlike many royal marriages of the era, theirs was a true partnership. Mumtaz was his trusted confidante and traveled with him even on military campaigns.

• The Tragedy: In 1631, while giving birth to their 14th child in Burhanpur, Mumtaz Mahal passed away due to complications.

• The Vow: Legend says that on her deathbed, she asked the Emperor to build a monument that would symbolize their love. Devastated by her death, Shah Jahan reportedly went into secluded mourning for a year, emerging with white hair and a bent back, dedicated to fulfilling her wish.

Construction began in 1632 and employed roughly 20,000 artisans over 22 years.

• The Material: It is crafted from translucent white marble, which famously changes color depending on the light—appearing pinkish in the morning, milky white in the day, and golden under the moonlight.

• The Inlay (Pietra Dura): The walls are decorated with intricate floral patterns made from semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, jade, and crystal, fitted so precisely into the marble that the joints are nearly invisible.

• The Garden: The Charbagh (four-part garden) represents the Islamic concept of Paradise, featuring reflecting pools that create a perfect mirror image of the mausoleum.