Taj Mahal
chamfered edges and is roughly 55 meters on each side (see floor plan, right). On the long
sides, a massive pishtaq, or vaulted archway, frames the iwan with a similar arch-shaped
balcony.
The main dome is crowned by a gilded spire or finial. The finial, made of gold until the early
1800s, is now made of bronze. The finial provides a clear example of integration of traditional
Persian and Hindu decorative elements. The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic
motif, whose horns point heavenward. Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns
of moon and finial point combine to create a trident shape, reminiscent of traditional Hindu
symbols of Shiva.
Construction
The Taj Mahal was built on a parcel of land to the south of the walled city of Agra. An area of
roughly three acres was excavated, filled with dirt to reduce seepage and leveled at 50 meters
above riverbank. In the tomb area, wells were dug and filled with stone and rubble as the
footings of the tomb
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