Stories in Stone: The Taj Mahal

Few buildings in the world are as instantly recognisable as the Taj Mahal, perhaps because it is also probably one of the most photographed, and few inspire such wonder in those who see it for the first time.

If you ever get the opportunity to visit this beautiful structure for yourself, I would highly recommend it. I saw it in October 2025, and it really does take your breath away. Photographs, and even beautifully crafted illustrations, do not do it justice.

Rising from the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, its flawless white marble seems almost to glow in the changing light, changing colour depending on the time of day - pink in the morning, white in the afternoon, and golden at night. Sometimes it even has a bluish hue.

Part of the attraction for me, as well as the historical aspects, is the perfect symmetry of the Indo-Islamic architecture. 

Millions of tourists visit each year, but behind its outstanding beauty lies a story of love, loss and extraordinary craftsmanship.

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned its construction after his beloved 3rd wife Mumtaz Mahal died during the birth of their 14th child in 1631. Work began the following year and took 22 years to complete, involving nearly 22,000 of the most highly skilled craftsmen and artisans from India, Persia, and Türkiye. 

There is much to admire about this vast, ornate burial chamber. The white marble was quarried in Makrana, Rajasthan, and hauled nearly 250 miles by teams of over 1,000 elephants and heavy bullock carts dragging the massive stone blocks over specially constructed ramps and tracks. Precious stones such as Jade and crystal from China, turquoise from Tibet, Lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, and sapphires from Sri Lanka were used to create the intricate Pietra Dura (paintings in stone) for the walls and ceilings. The four minarets lean very slightly outwards so they would fall away from the mausoleum during an earthquake. The long reflecting pools and formal Charbagh gardens were designed to symbolise the gardens of Paradise described in Islamic tradition.

There are also many myths surrounding this marvellous building. No concrete evidence exists for the often-repeated claim that Shah Jahan ordered the hands of the craftsmen to be cut off so they could never build anything so beautiful again. Another that those involved in the construction signed contracts committing themselves to have no part in any similar designs. I much prefer the second myth.

Some historians believe that Shah Jahan had planned to build a black marble mausoleum for himself across the river from the Taj Mahal, although this too is debated by historians. If true, it was never built as he was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in the Agra Fort in 1658 from where he could still see the Taj Mahal in the valley below.

After his death in 1666, he was buried beside his wife. But the sarcophagi in the central chamber are both empty. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are buried in the basement, away from public scrutiny.

Today the Taj Mahal is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – some of which have also become illustrations of mine.

When I decided to draw the Taj Mahal, I wanted to capture more than its famous silhouette. The intricate arches, delicate marble work and perfect symmetry make it one of the most rewarding buildings I've ever drawn. Every line is a reminder of the remarkable skill that created one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces and most enduring monument to love.