The gardens are inspired by the Persian design. There is a reflecting pool in the middle, multiple fountains, raised pathways and trees. Ali Mardan designed gardens at Taj Mahal. He is the architect of the Shalimar Gardens, located in Lahore (now in Pakistan).
In late 19th century, Taj Mahal got into disrepair; British invaders defaced Taj Mahal in 1857. They looted all the precious stones and lapis lazuli by chiseling it out, and took the real gold finial on the dome. Later British viceroy Lord Curzon ordered a restoration of Taj Mahal that was completed around 1908. All the gardens were converted to English style from the Mughal style.
Today biggest threat to Taj Mahal is from pollution. Indian Government has enforced strict emission standards four thousand mile around the Taj.
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| Taj floor plan |
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| Inside main gate |
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| Inside of dome |
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| Detail of dome |
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| Taj Mahal mosque interior hall |
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| Cenotaphs |
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| "Jali" work |
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| Calligraphy with black marble |
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| Mosque interior |
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| Detail of inlaid work |
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| Garden view |
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| Front gardens |
credits: google, wikipedia etc
