Great Gate, Taj Mahal, World Heritage Site, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.
It’s the main entrance to access the Mausoleum and Garden including Mosque, Guest House, Museum, Naubat Khana etc and the gardens which, symbolically, represents Paradise. It’s also referred as the “Great Gate”.
This is a massive rectangular Gate of about 137 feet in length and about 113 feet in breadth. It’s about 75 feet High. It is the main entrance to the Taj Mahal complex symbolizing love. It is located on the north south axis in the southern direction of the Taj Mahal. This gateway is a unique example of extremely impressive and attractive Mughal architecture.
It is a fundamental ingredient of the Taj Mahal complex. As it’s a World Heritage Site and remain in the list of World’s Wonders. It was built by fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Its construction work was commenced in 1632 AD and it was completed in all aspects in 1653 AD under the supervision of Mughal Court’s Architect Ustad Ahmed Lahauri who was assisted by a team of Architects and Engineers.
On the one hand, the mind was restless for the Taj Mahal, so first I decided to spect this Great Gate which is absolutely splendid and to pay the homage to the artists and builder. I was surprised to see its construction style, the selection of stones and other elements used in the beautification, calligraphic work, carving, pietra Dura and excellent workmanship etc.
The front view or facade is very stylish, symmetrical and attractive which is just amazing. It has five Iwan and the grand one is central one which is raised beyond the roof. This is double storey and having six openings. Central archway is the major entrance to the complex. All the four corners are having watch tower like octagonal minarets crowned with octagonal umbrellas built on stone pillars, cusped arches erected on octagonal bases, roofed with bulbous domes, crowned by inverted lotuses and centers with elongated finials. These decorated umbrellas are supported by stone brackets and hangings are also supported by stone brackets. Either side of the grand Iwan there are two two Iwans on ground and first floor framing the main Iwan with octagonal Minarets which are rising from the ground and finials tops are up above the roof. Main Iwan is crowned by eleven decorated series of arches supported by pillars and flanked by domes crowned by inverted lotuses and finials above the stone hangouts supported by stone brackets. These domes are raised on round bases and made of white marble. Two thin or slender type octagonal minarets are raised from ground on corners of Central Iwan to the sky higher than the all finials. It’s a unique feature of Islamic and Mughal architecture. Central Iwan is having a white marble’s band having calligraphic Arabic inscription and this Southern face is inscribed the Holy Quran’s 89th Chapter " The Dawn " complete 30 verses. This calligraphic work was executed by the master Calligrapher Abdul Haq who also did the calligraphy in Akbar’s tomb was titled Amanat Khan by emperor Shah Jahan. Text begins with In the name of Allah from right side and as it’s rising the letters are gradually enlarged so remain symmetrical and readable at such height.
Floral design, geometrical patterns, panelling, mouldings, etc are superb. Gate entrance is having wooden paneled door covered with thick metal foil as this is the only main entrance of this walled complex. Entering into the hall which is octagonal and four staircases are leading to upper floors. First floor is having hanging octagonal gallery and vent arches in Northern and Southern directions. Curved decorated ceiling is having a Fanous in Centre. Northern facade is also quite similar to the Southern side. Only the difference in Holy Quran’s Chapter. On this face three chapters are inscribed, which are chapter 93, 94 and 95. All the four sides are almost identical as North South Axis is the main entrance and East West are doors which opens in the hall and in the Galleries attached with the Garden and falls inside the boundary wall. Eastern and Western facedes are not having slender minarets and series of domed canopies. They don’t bear any Holy Quranic inscriptions like the Southern and Northern Iwans which are having vaulted ceilings.
I accept that I am not able to right the some minutes details but this is the great gate which leads to the architectural wonder. First sight itself leaves tourists just spellbound.