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Of Taj Mahal :
The Taj Mahal stands on the banks of the Yamuna River in the 42 acre area, consists of five major constituents, namely the 93 ft high main gateway, the gardens, the mosque, the rest house and the main mausoleum. The main building of the Taj Mahal stands on a raised square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four abridged corners, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. The central dome of Taj Mahal is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet, flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each.The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper.

Mosque is situated on the west side of the Taj Mahal, made up of red sandstone. The mosque faces the direction of the holy city of Mecca. Just opposite to the mosque in Taj Mahal i.e., on the eastern side of the Taj is a monument that is known to be a twin of the mosque. This red sandstone monument is called Taj Mahal Naqqar Khana or the Rest house. The Taj gateway is a tall niche doorway in the shape of an ogival arch that rises till the mid-height of the structure. The Persian style Taj Mahal Gardens are running from the main gateway to the base of the Taj Mahal. The entire garden is divided into four parts, with two marble canals studded with fountains crossing in the center.

*The Controversies:
The first controversy is "Was Taj Mahal a Shiva/ Hindu Temple". It is called that originally it was a Hindu or Vedic temple/palace complex known by the name of "Tejo Mahalaya". Shah Jahan merely acquired it from its previous owner, the Hindu King Jai Singh. The another question is regarding the origin of the name of "Taj Mahal", which is still a mystery . In the Shah Jahan's reign, they call it the rauza (tomb) of Mumtaz Mahal. It is generally believed that "Taj Mahal" (usually translated as either "Crown Palace" or "Crown of the Palace") is an abbreviated version of her name, Mumtaz Mahal.

*Threat of Pollution:
The Taj Mahal, India's most famous building is threatened by pollution from emisson gasses and dust in the area and is becoming yellowish due to deposition of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM).The Indian government will be attempting to reduce the discoloration by giving the Taj Mahal mud baths. The mud is supposed to retract the particles that discolor the building. As another preventive measure only electrical powered vehicles and horse powered wagons are allowed to come near the Taj Mahal, all other vehicles cannot come closer than two kilometers of the monument

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