Imagine that your husband builds a magnificent structure to honor you for all eternity. In 1631 Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the construction of the Taj Mahal to honor his third wife.
Shah Jaha met Arjumand Banu Begum when she was fourteen years old and fell in love with her. Five years later, in 1621, Shah Jahan married his beloved Arjumand, and after marriage she became known as Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz were constant companions throughout their marriage. Mumtaz passed away in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child, which devastated Shah Jahan. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632. The building is an incorporation of Persian architecture, and is one of the seven wonders of the world.
White marble was brought in from all over India and Central Asia to build the structure. It is estimated that twenty-two thousand laborers from India, Asia and Iran were hired to build this monument to love. The artisans consisted of stone masons, painters, calligraphers, in-layers and carvers.
The Taj Mahal of Agra was completed in 1653, twenty-one years after construction began. Shortly after its completion, Shah Jahan was deposed by his son, Aurangzeb. When Shah Jajan passed away he was laid to rest next to his beloved wife.
The Taj Mahal has become a symbol of romantic love all over the world.
This is a magnificent building and India in genreal is a place that I have always wanted to visit, despite the warnings of extreme poverty from people who have traveled there. I believe that even in India you can find tremendous hope, love and inspiration for life.
God Bless India.