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Taj Mahal

Short answer: The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, is a white marble mausoleum that Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built for his wife Mumtaz Mahal; construction ran from about 1631 to 1653.

Its polished white marble reflects the color of the light falling on it, so visitors often describe it as pinkish at dawn, bright white or golden by day and soft or silvery by moonlight. It's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and was named one of the New 7 Wonders in 2007. The footage shows the Taj Mahal and its gardens at different times of day, with the presenter.

VideoWrite-up3 sources

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What should you know about Taj Mahal?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. The Taj Mahal was built as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal.

    DD-123-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (A mausoleum)

  2. UNESCO listed it in 1983.

    DD-123-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit D (World Heritage)

Video transcript: Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal's Marble Shifts Color Through the Day

The Seven Wonders of the New World No. 7 The Taj Mahal DID YOU KNOW? Color of the Taj Mahal can change throughout the day. The iconic white marble of the Taj Mahal appears different shades depending on the sunlight. During sunrise the Taj Mahal often has a pinkish hue. While it can appear golden in the afternoon sunlight, as the sun sets the monument may take on a more translucent milky-white glow. This color changing phenomenon is one of the many reasons why the Taj Mahal is considered one of the most visually stunning and romantic architectural wonders in the world. The play of light on the pristine marble creates a captivating and ever changing experience for visitors. NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 33.6s Reel ·

Video coming soonTaj Mahal · Instagram Reel
Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal's Marble Shifts Color Through the Day Instagram Reel · · 33.6s

The write-up

The Taj Mahal's marble shifts color through the day. Built from 1631 to 1653 as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal.

  1. Exhibit A

    A mausoleum

    Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal.

  2. Exhibit B

    1631 to 1653

    Construction ran from about 1631 to 1653.

  3. Exhibit C

    Reflective marble

    Its white marble takes on the color of the light.

  4. Exhibit D

    World Heritage

    UNESCO listed it in 1983.

  5. Exhibit E

    New 7 Wonders

    It was named one of the New 7 Wonders in 2007.

Questions people ask about Taj Mahal

Who was the Taj Mahal built for?

Shah Jahan built it for his wife.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (A mausoleum) · UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Taj Mahal; Wikipedia: Taj Mahal

When was it built?

It took about 22 years.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (1631 to 1653) · Wikipedia: Taj Mahal

Why does its color seem to change?

Dawn and dusk light differ.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Reflective marble) · Wikipedia: Taj Mahal

When did UNESCO list it?

It's a World Heritage Site.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (World Heritage) · UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Taj Mahal

When was it named a New 7 Wonder?

Winners were announced in Lisbon.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (New 7 Wonders) · Wikipedia: New 7 Wonders of the World

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. Who was the Taj Mahal built for?

    1. Mumtaz Mahal
    2. Akbar
    3. Queen Victoria
    4. Ashoka
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Mumtaz Mahal Shah Jahan built it for his wife. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (A mausoleum) · UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Taj Mahal; Wikipedia: Taj Mahal

  2. When was it built?

    1. About 1631 to 1653
    2. 1200s
    3. 1850s
    4. 1920s
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. About 1631 to 1653 It took about 22 years. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (1631 to 1653) · Wikipedia: Taj Mahal

  3. Why does its color seem to change?

    1. The marble reflects the light
    2. It's painted daily
    3. It's lit by LEDs
    4. It's made of glass
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. The marble reflects the light Dawn and dusk light differ. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Reflective marble) · Wikipedia: Taj Mahal

  4. When did UNESCO list it?

    1. 1983
    2. 2007
    3. 1653
    4. 2000
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. 1983 It's a World Heritage Site. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (World Heritage) · UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Taj Mahal

  5. When was it named a New 7 Wonder?

    1. 2007
    2. 1983
    3. 1999
    4. 2015
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. 2007 Winners were announced in Lisbon. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (New 7 Wonders) · Wikipedia: New 7 Wonders of the World

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Taj Mahal." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-123, last updated Dec 15, 2023. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/taj-mahal/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/taj-mahal/ · Last updated

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