|
The
Taj Platform
Taj
Mahal is placed on a high plinth that can be approached from a central
path within the garden. Height of the plinth is 6.7 m and the total area
covered by it is around 95 sq m. There is a double staircase facing the
entrance to the tomb and they are only way to reach to the top of the plinth.
You are needed to remove your shoes here, though you can have your shocks
on, as the white marble gets very hot. You can have the best views of the
surroundings from this pedestal including the lush green char bagh in the
front and the riverfront at the backside. And the feeling of closeness
to towering structure of Taj from this place is unmatched.
Four
minarets each having a height of 41.6 m and capped by a small cupola flank
the four corners of the plinth. Minarets do not have the decorative motive
here, but they also provide balance to the tomb. Minarets used in this
way first appeared in India with Akbar's tomb at Sikandra. Latter they
were used at the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and further refined here. The
minarets were placed in such a way that even in the case of a mishap, they
do not fall over the main structure. There is another important aspect
of the minarets, which signifies its spiritual important. There is a letter
written on each of the minaret, which when put together spell the word
ar-rahman or all merciful - one of the many names of Allah.
|