Taj Mahal
sapphire came from Sri Lanka and the carnelian from Arabia. In all, twenty eight types of
precious and semi-precious stones were inlaid into the white marble.
Exterior decoration
The exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal are among the finest to be found in Mughal
architecture. As the surface area changes, a large pishtaq has more area than a smaller one,
and the decorations are refined proportionally. The decorative elements were created by
applying paint or stucco, or by stone inlays or carvings. In line with the Islamic prohibition
against the use of anthropomorphic forms, the decorative elements can be grouped into either
calligraphy, abstract forms or vegetative motifs.
Interior
The interior chamber of the Taj Mahal steps far beyond traditional decorative elements. the
inlay work is not pietra dura, but lapidary of precious and semiprecious gemstones. The inner
chamber is an octagon with the design allowing for entry from each face, though only the
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