Artist: Designer, probably
Ustad Ahmad; master architect, Abdul al-Karim; chief caligrapher, Amanat
Khan; (one of many) artists, Makramat Khan.
Title: Taj Mahal, Agra. Entrance protal.
Material: Marble and semi-precious stones
Site: Agra, India
Current Location: In situ
Period/Date: built 1632 - 1643, Mughal Dynasty under Emperor Shah Jahan
(r.1628-1658, d.1666).
Iconography/Iconology: Koranic verses describe that God's throne was
located in and above the gardens of paradise. The monument, conceptually
located in the paradisical gardens, was understood to be the throne of God.
The tall plinth on which the building rests, served to raise it above the
garden level. Thus, the entire monument appears to be a direct visual translation
of Islamic religious literature. The play of light reflecting off of the
polished marble assumed a metaphoric role and was associated with the radience
of God's presence which was felt most predominantly in the garadens of paradise,
the ultimate destination of the faithful (Asher, AOMI, 214).
Stylistic Comments: Lateral stairs lead up the tall marbel plinth and
provide access to the entrance seen in this view. The facade of the portal
is richly decorated with semiprecious stones. The rectangular band around
the arch contains Koranic verses in elaborate calligraphy, while the corners
are inlaid with floral designs.
Asher, Catherine B. The New Cambridge History of India Architecture of Mughal India. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1992.