MPU ASSIGNMENT REPORT

TAYLOR’S UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Coursework Evaluation

MPU 3123: TAMADUN ISLAM & TAMADUN ASIA
Degree in Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Hons)
Topic: Islamic Architecture

Presentation Marks (10 marks)
No Name ID No Marks Remarks
1   Lillian Tan Ai Jun   0320087
2 Ling Sue Er   0321683
3 Goh Jiayi 0326048
4 Tan Hwee Min 0326057
5 Liew Li Wen 0324297
6 Esther Chuah Ning Sie 0321422
7 Rivarthini A/P Cheliyen 0325880

Assignment Marks (20 marks)
No Name ID No Marks Remarks
1 Lillian Tan Ai Jun   0320087
2 Ling Sue Er   0321683
3 Goh Jiayi 0326048
4 Tan Hwee Min 0326057
5 Liew Li Wen 0324297
6 Esther Chuah Ning Sie 0321422
7 Rivarthini A/P Cheliyen 0325880

Lecturer : Pn. Puteh Noraihan
Date : 21st
October 2015

CONTENT

NO. CONTENT PAGE NUMBER
1.

INTRODUCTION

2 3
2. BRIEF HISTORY OF TAJ MAHAL 4 5
3. ARCHITECT’S BACKGROUND 6 7
4.
4.1
4.2
ANALYSIS
COMPONENTS AND PARTS
BUILDING MATERIALS

8 12
13 15
5. CONCLUSION 16 17
6. REFERENCES 18 19

1

1. INTRODUCTION

Location of Taj Mahal

This is an analysis report on the Islamic architecture in support with a
handdrawn sketch on the selected subject of study. The chosen subject for the case
study is a widelyrecognized building, Taj Mahal, which is also known as the “crown of
palaces”, a white marble mausoleum located on the southern bank of the Yamuna River
in the vast Mughal Garden in Agra, India. Personal research and group study have been
conducted before the final selection of subject has been carried out. The obtained
information is collected and discussed while the followings are the reasons for the
selection made.

Firstly, Taj Mahal was said to be the greatest architectural achievement in
IndoIslamic architecture. It represents the finest architectural and artistic
achievement through perfect harmony and excellent craftsmanship in a whole range of
IndoIslamic architecture. It is a masterpiece of architectural style in conception,
treatment and execution and has unique aesthetic qualities in balance, symmetry and
harmonious blending of various elements.

2

Besides, there was an English poet who once said that Taj Mahal is not just any
ordinary piece of architecture, but the proud passion of an Emperor’s love carved in
living stones with an irreplaceable memory for the love of his life that symbolized the
Emperor’s great loyalty. This remarkable and universally admired masterpiece had
signified a man’s truthfulness in keeping his words along with his great perseverance
and determination in overcoming all the adversities that come his way. Perhaps without
all these qualities that Emperor Shah Jahan had possessed, we would not have the
chance to witness this brilliant and aweinspiring work that we have in the world today.

Moreover, the famed mausoleum complex had also shown a perfect and
harmony blend of different influences from the Indian, Persian and Islamic artistic
tradition. The grand structure had reflected the uniqueness from each cultural
influences. An interesting aside, it is built of white shimmering marble inlaid with
different types of semiprecious stones including jades, crystals, amethyst, turquoise
and more. It was said that the colour of the mausoleum varies depending on the light
rays that hits upon the surface during different time of the day.

In a nutshell, Taj Mahal is no doubt a stunning symbol of India’s rich history
and an invaluable world historical heritage that amazed billions of people with not
only its exclusive aesthetic values but also its captivating love story that brings soul and
meaning to the place.

Taj Mahal at day time (left), sunset (middle) and night time (right)

3

2. BRIEF HISTORY OF TAJ MAHAL

Taj Mahal, the magnificent and breathtaking mausoleum that stands at the heart
of India today had seemed to capture over a million hearts with not only its bewitching
beauty but also its touching history of love of the royalties. An English poet, Sir Edwin
Arnold best described it as "Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the
proud passion of an emperor's love wrought in living stones."

The Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, was initially named as Prince Khurram and
was born in the year 1592. He was the son of the fourth Mughal emperor of India,
Jehangir, and the grandson of Akbar the Great. In 1607, while sauntering down the
Meena Bazaar, accompanied by a string of fawning courtiers, Shah Jahan caught the
sight of a girl peddling some silk and glass beads. It was love at first sight and the girl
was found to be Mumtaz Mahal, who was known as Arjumand Banu Begum at that time.
At that time, he was 14 years old and she, a Muslim Persian princess, was 15. The two
got married after five years in 1612.

It was in 1628 that Shah Jahan had became the Emperor and entrusted
Arjumand Banu with the royal seal. He also conferred upon her the title “Mumtaz
Mahal”, meaning the “Jewel of the Palace". Shah Jahan was said to have many wives,
however, Mumtaz Mahal was  his favourite and the unquestioned love of his life.

In 1631, Mumtaz Mahal died while giving birth to their 14th
child. While she was
on her deathbed, Shah Jahan promised her that he would never remarry and will build
the world’s richest mausoleum in dedication to her. It is said that Shah Jahan was so
heartbroken after Mumtaz’s death that he ordered the court into mourning for two years.


4

Despite the overwhelming sadness, Shah Jahan fulfilled his promise by
undertaking the task of erecting the world's most beautiful monument for his beloved
wife, Mumtaz. It took 22 years, over 20,000 laborers and 1,000 elephants to construct
this amazing piece of architecture. When Shah Jahan died in 1666, his body was placed
in a tomb next to the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. This extravagant and glorious monument
came to be known as "Taj Mahal" which has been listed as the Seven Wonders of the
World.

Paintings of Mumtaz Mahal (left) and Shah Jalan (right)

The tomb of Shah Jahan (left) and Mumtaz Mahal (right)

5

3. ARCHITECT’S BACKGROUND

Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan for his wife, as a tomb
house. This building remains an architectural miracle until now. In 1632, it had been
consigned by Emperor Shah Jahan to find a place for the remains of his cherished wife
to rest in peace.

As mentioned earlier, Shah Jahan was a Mughal Emperor. He was known as
Prince Shihabubdin Muhammad Khurram who was the son of Emperor Jahangir. He
was a military leader who’s very talented in architectural decorations and design
whereby he had been crowned with the title of “The Builder Of the Marvels”.

On the other hand, Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal was said to be an
inseparable soulmate of Shah Jahan as she’s always by his side everywhere he goes,
even on military ventures. The relationship between the both of them is trustworthy,
intense and strong. Unfortunately, Mumtaz Mahal passed away in 1631. Shah Jahan
then promised to construct the most beautiful monument dedicated to Mumtaz after her
death. And so one of the world’s most marvelous building ever, is built, given the name
of “Taj Mahal”.

According to a gruesome story, after the construction of the grand mausoleum
had been completed, Shah Jahan ordered his minions to perform a cruel task in which
the hands of all of the Taj Mahal’s architects were to be cut off to ensure that there is no
one who could build another of its kind.

Last but not least, the design and structural decorations of the Taj Mahal was
said to have involved approximately 37 men, which includes the designers and
architects whereby their names were mentioned in the official Mughal histories.
Followings are the names in which were found recorded in the history of Mughal.
6

● Ismail Afandi, a designer and builder of domes for the great Ottomans in Turkey
● Qazim Khan, a goldsmith from Lahore, who casted the gold finial that crowns the
dome
● Chiranji Lal, a lapidary from Delhi who was chosen as the chief mosaicist
● Amanat Khan, the master calligrapher from Shiraz whose signature was
inscribed on the Taj gateway
● Mohammed Hanif, Multan and Quandhar from Delhi as master masons
● Mukrimat Khan and Mir Abdul Karim from Shiraz, who were the chief
supervisors and administrators.

7

4. ANALYSIS
4.1 COMPONENTS AND PARTS

The grant mausoleum complex, Taj Mahal, is no doubt the most notable piece of
architecture in the Mughal’s top 10 list of historic buildings. It had not only symbolized
the momentous years back in the ancient India and was also recognized as the “Jewel
of Muslim art in India”. The design and decorations of the complex were inspired from
the structure of Timurids and Mughals which includes the Gure Amir, Humayun’s
Tomb, ItmadUdDaulah’s Tomb and Shah Jahan’s own Jama Masjid in Delhi. Taj
Mahal was considered to be the zenith in the reign of Shah Jahan, whereby many
historians and poets had expressed their amazement upon the Taj Mahal complex
which was conceived as an earthly replica of the house of Mumtaz Mahal. The 42acres
Taj Mahal has a topography which gradually inclines from south to north, towards the
Yamuna river. The entire Taj Mahal complex consists of five major components which
are the main gateway, mosque, jawab, garden and the main mausoleum.

Main gateway of Taj Mahal complex

Firstly, the main gateway was completed in the year 1648 and situated at the
end of the long watercourse. The main gate stands are bordered with the verses from
Holy Quran in Arabic calligraphy. On the top of the gate, there are four separated high
columns which come in pairs. Each pairs of the separated columns were situated on
each corner of the structure top, making up the front and back row, each with eleven
8

domes placed in between. Hence, that sums up to a total number of 22 domes.
Besides, there are small cupolas which topped the upper part of the main gate’s arches.
The design provides a great visual illusion to the visitors as it placed the main
mausoleum out of sight as one is entering the compound via the main gate. Its purpose
is to prevent people from catching any glimpse of the main mausoleum until they are
right at the doorway itself.

The Taj Mahal garden (left) and the splashing fountain (right)

Secondly, the Taj Mahal garden covers the area starting from the end of the
main gateway up til the plinth of mausoleum. It is an integral part of the structure which
made up the widest part of the Taj Mahal by covering up a total area of 300m x 300m
out of 580m x 300m. According to the Islamic beliefs, the garden portrays a strong
iconic and conceptual values regarding a mythical state, which is the paradise.
Moreover, the garden also consists of the elevated pathways, splashing fountain, flower
beds, trees and pools that form the mirror image of Taj Mahal. The aesthetically
maintained laid out garden is also known to be the best spot for photo taking within the
frame of the mausoleum view.

9

Taj Mahal with the mosque on the left and the Jawab on the right

Thirdly, the mausoleum is flanked by two almost similar buildings on the either
sides of the platform. The mosque is located at the west wing of the main mausoleum
while Jawab is situated at the east wing. Both structures are made up of red
sandstones which serves to give an aesthetic colour contrast. They are constructed
based on the Ottoman,Turkish,and Indian architectural style. It is 64 meters long and 24
meters wide, and is built on a slightlyraised platform. There are 4 octagonal towers and
3 elegant domes that were placed on top of the roof of each structure. The Jawab
balanced up the symmetrical arrangement of the compound and was initially utilized as
a spot for the entertainment and accommodation for important visitors. On the other
hand, the mosque functions mainly as a place of worship. The significant differences
between the two structures are that the floor design of the mosque was laid out with
outlines of 569 prayer rugs in black marbles. Besides, the mosque consists of a mihrab
which is not found in the Jawab. These two identical structures serve to provide a mirror
image of each other which brings a symmetrical balance to the entire architectural
design of the Taj Mahal complex.

10

Front view of Taj Mahal

Lastly, the mausoleum is the chief building of the entire Taj Mahal complex. It is
the only structure that is completely cladded in white marbles and is decorated with
semiprecious and precious stones. As looking down from the top, the plan view of the
mausoleum portrays an ideal crossaxial symmetry which brings the focus of the
structure to the central tomb chamber. The mausoleum consists of 4 floors, namely, the
lower storey, entrance storey, ambulatory storey and a roof terrace. The lower storey
houses the tombs of Jahan and Mumtaz while the entrance storey encloses the similar
cenotaphs of the tombs. Meanwhile, the 35 metres high central dome of the complex is
located on a 7 metres high cylindrical base which stands on a square platform that was
raised 50 metres above the riverbank. At the apex of the main dome and the smaller
domes is a lotus motif surmounted by a plated finial, which shows a blend of the
traditional Islamic and Hindu decorative component. Interesting asides, the dome is
commonly called an onion dome due to its extraordinary shape and design. The base of
the dome forms openings into the main hall of the tomb which allow the entrance of light
from each corners. The main dome was surrounded by four minarets and another four
domes which are smaller. The smaller domes replicate the onion shape of the main
dome which represents one of the highlights of the mausoleum. The base of the column
11

has an opening which allow light ray to pass through via the top of the tomb to brighten
up the interior spaces. Besides, the four minarets which are of height of more than 40
metres on each of the corner had further displayed the designer’s passion for the
symmetrical concept. Each minarets has three balconies, two at the minaret body while
one at the top. They were used as working minarets, a conventional component of the
mosques, utilized by the muezzin to call out to the Muslims to be faithful while having
their prayers.

Main dome and smaller dome (left), minarets (right)

12

4.2 BUILDING MATERIALS

There are three types of stones that have been used in the construction of Taj
Mahal which include semiprecious stones, common stones and rare and scarce
stones. Firstly, semiprecious stones are used for the inlaying work. Some examples for
the semiprecious stones are Aqiq (agate), Yemeni, Firoza (turquoise), moonga (coral),
Sulaimani (onyx), Lahsunia (cat's eye), Yasheb (jade) and Pitunia (blood stone).

             Aqiq (Agate)                        Yemeni                Fizora (Turquoise)          Mooga (Coral)

      Sulaimani (Onyx)           Lahsunia (Cats eyes)               Yasheb (Jade)                 Pitunia
(Bloodstone)

Common stones such as sangiGwaliari (grey and yellow sandstone),
sangiSurkh (red sandstone), sangimoosa (black slate) and sangiRukhan (white
marble) are not only used for the foundation and masonry but also for the finishing
touch of the outer surface of the structure. Rare and scarce stones which were bought
from the Upper Tibet, Kumaon, Jaisalmer and Ceylon were mainly used for mosaic work
13

or bold inlay on turrets, floors and exterior dados. Tilai (goldstone), Zaharmohra and
Maknatis (magnet stone) are some examples of the rare and scarce stones.

   sangiGwaliari                       sangiSurkh                    sangimoosa                sangiRukhan
(grey and yellow                     (red sandstone)                   (black slate)                  (white marble)
      sandstone)

               Tilai (goldstone)                 Zaharmohra        Maknatis (magnet stone)

Besides the structure also uses different kind of bricks as part of the building
materials such as GajiShirin (sweet limestone), Khaprel (tiles), GuliSurkh (red clay)
and glass. Moreover, extra strong brick masonry was used to build the center and
skeleton of the main complex of the Taj Mahal. The massive white marble slabs were
used in the headers and stretchers system to provide a clean, white, pure marble
surface. Different types of materials were also blended together such as molasses,
batashe (sugarbubbles), belgiriwater, urdpulse, curd, jute and Kankar (pieces of
fossilized soil) were mixed with the lime mortar to produce an ideal cementing material.

14

GajiShirin (sweet limestone) Khaprel (tiles) GuliSurkh (red clay)

Furthermore, there are beliefs whereby the precious and semiprecious stones
laid a different impact upon the luck of a person as well as a particular location. This has
actually been examined and was claimed to have close relation to the ornamented
structure. Hence, the predominance of the stones used were characterized as one of
the uniqueness that the Taj Mahal had possessed.

Last but not least, it was found that a number of marks were carved on red stone
slabs, the pathways, stairs, plinths and pavements of the Taj Mahal. Some of them are
designed with geometrical motifs (triangle, square, rectangle), symbolic motifs
(hexagon, pentagon, conchshell), animate motifs (fish, bird) and also, floral motifs
(leaves and petals of the flowers chiefly lotus).

Marbles with animate motifs (left), floral motifs (middle) and geometrical motifs (right)

15

5. CONCLUSION

First and foremost, we have learnt that it is important that we should always
appreciate and be respectful to all the lives and people who had contributed
unconditionally to the ancient art and architecture along with their remarkable
achievements that could be witnessed by many even until today. It is truly admirable to
those who had dedicated their lifetime to work selflessly with their sweat and blood
during the times where means of transportation and construction technology had seem
to be lacking. It can be observed that they were very detailoriented in which they paid
attention to even the finest structural element of the Taj Mahal complex. Their
professional spirits and determination are what ought to be leant by the young blood
these days. The masterpieces had reflected not only the hard work and great
perseverance of the ancient architects and builders, but also the valuable knowledge
and wisdom that they had possessed.

Besides, we have also come to learn that violence and cruelty are not the right way
of neither solving a problem nor obtaining a fulfilled desire in this civilised world. It’s
been rumoured that Shah Jahan had his minions to cut off the hands of all the architects
and designers just to prevent a replica of the grant mausoleum. Whether it could be true
or not, it is crucial that we shall always stick to our reasonable self, stood firmly by
our principles and to never lose our humanity no matter to what circumstances that
we’ve been put in.

Last but not least, we’ve come to realize that personal research and teamwork
are pretty important as we are able to learn in a more effective way via the sharing of
individual findings and group study. Personal research allowed us to equip ourselves
with the sufficient information and knowledge so as to prepare ourselves to whatever
task that we were given, while for teamwork, it’s no doubt a key that helps to enhance a
16

group performance through the sharing of group responsibilities while working towards
achieving the same ultimate goal.

In a nutshell, it is important to always reflect ourselves on what had been
learnt as life is a delicate process of shaping ourselves towards becoming a better
being through personal developments and constant improvement. We shall use our
reflections as an opportunity to make profound and a constructive or positive change in
our lives because sometimes this entails healing pieces of ourselves for betterment to
unfold. Other times, it means stretching ourselves into new levels by shining light and
bringing forth our good qualities.

17

6. REFERENCES

1. Agraindia.org.uk,. (2015). Architecture of Taj Mahal Taj Mahal Architecture
Architecture of Taj India. Retrieved 21 October 2015, from
http://www.agraindia.org.uk/tajmahal/architecture/

2. Centre, U. (2015). Taj Mahal UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Whc.unesco.org. Retrieved 21 October 2015, from
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/252

3. Indiavirtualtour.com,. (2015). Taj Mahal Architecture,Taj Mahal
Design,Architecture Taj Mahal,Taj Mahal Layout,Tajmahal in India. Retrieved 21
October 2015, from http://www.indiavirtualtour.com/tajmahal/Architecture.asp

4. Mahal, D. (2015). The Taj Mahal Facts & Summary HISTORY.com.
HISTORY.com. Retrieved 21 October 2015, from
http://www.history.com/topics/tajmahal

5. Mapsofindia.com,. (2015). Taj Mahal, Agra, India History, Map, Timings, Entry
Fee, Location. Retrieved 21 October 2015, from
http://www.mapsofindia.com/agra/tajmahal.html

6. Pbs.org,. (2015). building the Taj who designed the Taj Mahal. Retrieved 21
October 2015, from
http://www.pbs.org/treasuresoftheworld/taj_mahal/tlevel_2/t3build_design.html

7. Tajmahalindia.net,. (2015). Taj Mahal India Garden of Taj Mahal. Retrieved 21
October 2015, from http://www.tajmahalindia.net/tajmahalgarden.html

18

8. Tajmahal.org.uk,. (2015). Taj Mahal Taj Mahal India Taj Mahal Agra Taj
Mahal Travel Taj Mahal Information Tajmahal India. Retrieved 21 October
2015, from http://www.tajmahal.org.uk

9. Thousandwonders.net,. (2015). Taj Mahal Mosque Mosque in India Thousand
Wonders. Retrieved 21 October 2015, from
http://www.thousandwonders.net/Taj+Mahal+Mosque

19

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