The Cambridge History of India, Vol. IV: The Mughul Period v4.c23.s4.154

v4.c23.s4.154

The design finally approved was based largely on the recently completed tomb of Khān Khānān at Delhi, which in its turn was a reduced and modified copy of the mausoleum of the emperor Humāyūn. But the large edifice enclosing the tomb-chamber of the Tāj Mahall, although the main feature of the composition, is only a portion of the scheme as a whole. It is supplemented by certain essential accompaniments leading up to the main building, comprising a garden, entrance-gateways, a mosque, and other accessories that would surround the mausoleum with an appropriate setting. In the preliminary thought expended on these amenities the Mughul architect excelled, every need was provided for and no incongruous changes were afterwards introduced to mar the effect. The result was that before the actual construction was even begun every minute detail, useful or ornamental, was correctly specified. Outside the precincts of the Tāj itself among other annexes were buildings for the accommodation of visitors, their attendants and conveyances, a bazar for their maintenance and a forecourt with wide approach to avoid congestion of traffic. Nothing was omitted; a more complete lay-out it would be impossible to conceive. The position of the building was also carefully considered. The site selected was on a high bank of the river at a bend, so that from every point of view there was a pleasing effect; on the one side its reflections in the water gave it an added charm, while on the other, from the garden, its white marble façades stand out clearly, having no background except the sky. At the same time its proximity to the river demanded special care in the preparation of the foundations, which it was the practice of the Mughul builder to support on masonry cylinders sunk in the soil at close intervals. Some such system was no doubt employed in the substructure of the terrace, as the entire building including the minarets apparently rests on one firm compact bed of masonry. That the method adopted was a sound one is shown by the condition of the building, for after three centuries, during which it has suffered serious neglect, its lines and angles are still as accurate as when first produced; any deviation from the true in a structure which relies for much of its beauty on the mathematical precision of its outlines would of course be fatal.