The large Taj Mahal complex includes multiple buildings In the dawn light the mausoleum glows a soft pink The color changes throughout the day as the sun moves It shines blue yellow red or bright white Under the moon it gleams like a jewel 6
Inside the mausoleum is a queen’s grave Her name was Mumtaz Mahal At her side is the king who built this tomb They lie together for eternity 7
THE TOMB’S NAME Europeans first referred to Mumtaz Mahal as Taj Mahal during her tomb’s construction It means crown of the palace They may have picked up the term from Agra residents At some point people began calling her tomb the same name The locals called the mausoleum Rauza-I Munawara when it was built This means the Illumined Tomb The name refers to the way the mausoleum appears to glow This glow occurs because the Taj Mahal is covered in white marble The marble absorbs and reflects sunlight THE MAJESTIC TAJ MAHAL The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most famous buildings The tomb and its garden are the main parts of the overall complex The entire complex spans 42 acres 17 ha A mosque stands to the west of the tomb building A guesthouse stands to the east Both are made of red sandstone Other elements include courtyards galleries and bazaar streets Each part was included for balance The inside of the mosque is decorated with complex patterns 8
