2-979-718 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Entrance Gateway to the Taje Mahal, near Agra, 1857. View of '...the celebrated Taje-Mahal, or Mausoleum of Shah Jehan and his consort, Arjimand Banoo, surnamed Mahal, who died respectively in 1666 and 1631. This is an immense rectangular building, constructed of red sandstone, interspersed with embellishments in white marble...The immense area within, excepting the part occupied by the mausoleum itself, is laid out in parterres of flowers and shrubs, above the level of which, and ascended by a noble flight of white marble steps, rises the terrace of white marble on which is situated the sepulchral edifice...there can be little doubt that it was intended to convey an idea of the blissful seats of paradise. According to Tavernier 20,000 men were incessantly employed at this magnificent structure for twenty- two years, which cost £3,171,802'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.