Taj Mahal
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Overview
The Taj Mahal at Agra is the best-known building of Shah Jahan's 'golden age' of Mughal architecture. Humayun's Tomb in Delhi is seen as its forerunner. It was inscribed as a cultural World Heritage Site in 1983.
It was built as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, with work running from about 1632 to 1653, and stands on the right bank of the Yamuna.
The white Makrana marble from Rajasthan is inlaid with semi-precious stones in the pietra dura technique.
Air pollution that yellows the marble led the Supreme Court to create the Taj Trapezium Zone to control industry around Agra.
Geography and key facts
- Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Built under Shah Jahan
- World Heritage Site, 1983
- Makrana marble; pietra dura
- On the Yamuna
- Taj Trapezium Zone
Why it matters for UPSC
Mughal architecture and heritage-site questions.
Note for UPSC
Cultural World Heritage Site, inscribed 1983 · Uttar Pradesh.
UPSC asks about the state, the dynasty or period, and whether a site is cultural or natural.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Taj Mahal yet.
Key facts
- Type
- World Heritage Site
- State / UT
- Uttar Pradesh
- Heritage type
- Cultural
- Inscribed (UNESCO)
- 1983
- Coordinates
- 27.175°N, 78.042°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
More world heritage sites nearby
Other places in Uttar Pradesh
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