Taj Mahal
Taj was closed on the day I landed in Agra. Just because of that I went around to see a different taj...
From its architectural point, if you thought it's symmetry was the most peculiar thing, you are wrong. If you thought it not, you are further wrong!
Every piece in the Taj , including those trees, once lined its garden were done with symmetry. There is even this massive structure built in the complex , called Jawab (literally means 'answer' to match the mosque in the garden next to Taj.
The tomb of Mumtaz Mahal is at the very center of this symmetry. It has to be... Mumtaz was the very reason for Taj.
So many years later, when Shah Jahan's tomb had to be built, and that too next to the tomb of Mumtaz , there was no choice but to break the symmetry for the first time in its design!
See also the Poor man's Taj!
My first glimpse of Taj!
It happened as a surprise. I never expected to see Taj from the fort. But while I was inside the Jahangiri Mahal, of the fort and looked outside through one of those river facing openings...voila!
| Taj From Agra Fort
Probably the same view Shah Jahan had during his final days from the prison in the fort.
This is how I saw the Taj for the first time.
| This is how I saw the Taj for the first time.
This is one my favorite shots, despite that dust on the lens. I was inside the second floor of jahangiri mahal inside the Agra Fort. Casually came to the window on the Yamuna side. Lo.
Mehtab Bagh
| Mehtab Bagh
This is across the Yamuna River, behind Taj Mahal. I took a long detour from the city, crossed Yamuna and navigated my way through the villages to get behind the Taj.
Taj Mahal viewed from the other side of Yamuna River.
| Non Touristy side of Taj
This was shot on a Friday. Friday is special , because Taj is closed on Fridays.
Taj seen from the Yamuna Riverbed
| Taj from Yamuna side
Taj seen from the Yamuna Riverbed. Photograph taken from National Highway 44 (NH 44) near Agra Fort
Mehtab Bagh. This is the relatively less photographed side of Taj! You need to take a round about trip to cross Yamuna to reach this side of the Taj. I reached Agra on a Friday, only to learn that Taj is not open for visitors on Fridays! But, I took the detour to salvage my situation, rewarded with this view. You can also seen the foreground the remains of a foundation, Shah Jahan wanted to make a symmetric mausoleum on this side of the river in black stone. But it did not go beyond the foundation work.
| The Other side of Taj
This is the rear side of Taj.
GALLERY
My first glimpse of Taj!
It happened as a surprise. I never expected to see Taj from the fort. But while I was inside the Jahangiri Mahal, of the fort and looked outside through one of those river facing openings...voila!
Taj From Agra Fort
Probably the same view Shah Jahan had during his final days from the prison in the fort.
This is how I saw the Taj for the first time.
This is how I saw the Taj for the first time.
This is one my favorite shots, despite that dust on the lens. I was inside the second floor of jahangiri mahal inside the Agra Fort. Casually came to the window on the Yamuna side. Lo.
Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh
This is across the Yamuna River, behind Taj Mahal. I took a long detour from the city, crossed Yamuna and navigated my way through the villages to get behind the Taj.
Taj Mahal viewed from the other side of Yamuna River.
Non Touristy side of Taj
This was shot on a Friday. Friday is special , because Taj is closed on Fridays.
Taj seen from the Yamuna Riverbed
Taj from Yamuna side
Taj seen from the Yamuna Riverbed. Photograph taken from National Highway 44 (NH 44) near Agra Fort
Mehtab Bagh. This is the relatively less photographed side of Taj! You need to take a round about trip to cross Yamuna to reach this side of the Taj. I reached Agra on a Friday, only to learn that Taj is not open for visitors on Fridays! But, I took the detour to salvage my situation, rewarded with this view. You can also seen the foreground the remains of a foundation, Shah Jahan wanted to make a symmetric mausoleum on this side of the river in black stone. But it did not go beyond the foundation work.
The Other side of Taj
This is the rear side of Taj.
