​Built by Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, as the final resting place for his beloved wife Mumtaz, who died after giving birth to their 14th child. Her name means Jewell of the Palace and the tomb represents her mansion in paradise and is a symbol of undying love.

To set the scene Prof Allen showed examples of earlier tombs from the Mughal era explaining the Indo-Islamic architectural details and the importance of the setting of each within its chahar bagh (square garden).

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Starting with the tomb of Barbur, the first Mughal Emperor, key features of each edifice were highlighted with stunning images. The symmetrical and symbolic gardens in Kabul were designed and enjoyed during Barbur’s lifetime and consequently selected as his final resting place. The tomb is relatively modest when compared with that of Humayun, located in Delhi. This cenotaph has a grander construction and its bi-colour design of red and white has significance for both the Hindu and Muslim faiths. Over the next hundred years tombs of Mughal Emperors were built in Agra, the seat of power of the Empire. They displayed ever more intricate stone-work such as beautiful marble inlays resembling fine textiles and jalis, the latticed marble screens which filter and soften light.

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Prof Allen demonstrated how the design of the Taj Mahal adopted the best of its predecessors to create perfection as a memorial to his beloved wife. Inscriptions on the walls and gateways include 14 complete chapters of the Koran and it is located close to Agra Fort, the centre of Mughal power.

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The pure white, cloud-like Taj Mahal was completed in 1647 and ultimately became the resting place for both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. A fitting emblem of love, devotion and the power of the Mughal crown.

Kate Fulkner