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For other uses, see Taj Mahal (disambiguation).
| Taj Mahal | |
 Southern view of the Taj Mahal | |
| Location: | Agra, India |
| Coordinates: | 27.174799°N 78.042111°E |
| Elevation: | 171 m (561 ft) |
| Built: | 1632 - 1653[citation needed] |
| Architect: | Ustad Ahmad Lahauri |
| Architectural style(s): | Mughal |
| Visitation: | More than 3 million (2003) |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Type: | Cultural |
| Criteria: | i |
| Designated: | 1983 (7th session) |
| Reference #: | 252 |
| State Party: |  India |
| Region: | Asia-Pacific |
  Located in western Uttar Pradesh, India | |
The Taj Mahal (
/ˈtɑːdʒ məˈhɑːl/;[1] Hindi: ताज महल, from Persian/Urdu: تاج محل "crown of buildings",pronounced [ˈt̪aːdʒ mɛˈɦɛl]; also "the Taj"[2]) is amausoleum located in Agra, India. It is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It was built byMughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love.
/ˈtɑːdʒ məˈhɑːl/;[1] Hindi: ताज महल, from Persian/Urdu: تاج محل "crown of buildings",pronounced [ˈt̪aːdʒ mɛˈɦɛl]; also "the Taj"[2]) is amausoleum located in Agra, India. It is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It was built byMughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love.Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Islamicand Indian architectural styles.[3][4]
In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the white domed marblemausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen.[5] The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision, including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.[6][7]Lahauri[8] is generally considered to be the principal designer.[9]
