# Taj Mahal (DD-123)

> 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.

- Department: Locations (also History)
- First published: 2023-12-15
- Last updated: 2023-12-15
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/taj-mahal/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **1631**: Construction begins, around this year
- **1653**: Construction ends, around this year
- **1983**: UNESCO lists the Taj Mahal as a World Heritage Site

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=taj-mahal

## Quick facts

- **DD-123-F01**: The Taj Mahal was built as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (A mausoleum))_
- **DD-123-F02**: UNESCO listed it in 1983. _(Write-up · Exhibit D (World Heritage))_

## Write-up

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

1. **A mausoleum**: Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal.
2. **1631 to 1653**: Construction ran from about 1631 to 1653.
3. **Reflective marble**: Its white marble takes on the color of the light.
4. **World Heritage**: UNESCO listed it in 1983.
5. **New 7 Wonders**: It was named one of the New 7 Wonders in 2007.

## Related case files

- [Kailasa Temple (DD-605)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/kailasa-temple/): I paired it with another monument in India
- [Hanging Gardens (DD-094)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/hanging-gardens/): I paired it with another monument built for a ruler's wife
- [Mausoleum at Halicarnassus (DD-100)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/mausoleum-at-halicarnassus/): I paired it with another grand tomb

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: 'No. 7': the New 7 Wonders aren't ranked; I read the number as his own series order. The color descriptions are commonly reported impressions of the light, which I kept as such.

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

- Duration: 33.6 s · Published: 2023-12-15
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C04b8KIJAbW.mp4

### Transcript

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!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Who was the Taj Mahal built for?**  
A: Shah Jahan built it for his wife. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (A mausoleum) · UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Taj Mahal; Wikipedia: Taj Mahal)_

**Q: When was it built?**  
A: It took about 22 years. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (1631 to 1653) · Wikipedia: Taj Mahal)_

**Q: Why does its color seem to change?**  
A: Dawn and dusk light differ. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Reflective marble) · Wikipedia: Taj Mahal)_

**Q: When did UNESCO list it?**  
A: It's a World Heritage Site. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (World Heritage) · UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Taj Mahal)_

**Q: When was it named a New 7 Wonder?**  
A: Winners were announced in Lisbon. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (New 7 Wonders) · Wikipedia: New 7 Wonders of the World)_

## Sources

- [UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Taj Mahal](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252/)
- [Wikipedia: Taj Mahal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal)
- [Wikipedia: New 7 Wonders of the World](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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/