THE TAJ MAHAL OF AGRA - LEGACY OF MUGHAL ARCHITECTURE

The number of buses in the car park grew rapidly. Visitors moved from the parking area, walked across towards the impressive entrance and filled through into the garden area. The pathways on either side of the elongated pools seemed to show the way to the building they had come to see. The white marble of the Taj Mahal stood out on the distant platform. This is possibly the most visited World Heritage Site. From a distance it seemed rather small, but as the visitors walk down towards the building it becomes more and more impressive. Climbing the steps up to the platform the etched marble facade and the artistry of the builders become apparent. The Emperor Shah Jahan had meant this building to be an enduring memorial. He had succeeded. About 30 kilometers from the Taj Mahal is another architectural legacy of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. This settlement was designed as an imperial capital. Built in red sandstone the structures show the skill of the architects and builders. This settlement was abandoned after only eleven years. Take your students into the heart of the Mughal Empire and find out why their buildings have a placed on the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE lists. It links with the history of Medieval India.