The greatest manifestation of Mughal architecture is most definitely seen in the exterior design of the Taj Mahal. Its decorations are defined according to the changing surface area. They consist of elements such as stone inlay, carvings, stucco, and paint. As Islam does not permit the the use of anthropomorphic styles of art, the styles employed are abstract art, vegetable motifs and calligraphy. All around a complex are various verses from the Qur'an. These verses are said to be chosen by Amanat Khan, whose real name was Abd Ul Haq. The inscriptions were made in jasper or black marble, which was later inlaid in white marble . One example of the verses is Surah 95, which proclaims.
"By the Fig and the Olive,And the Mount of Sinai,And this City of security,-We have indeed created man in the best of molds,Then do We abase him (to be) the lowest of the low,-Except such as believe and do righteous deeds: For they shall have a reward unfailing. Then what can, after this, contradict thee, as to the judgment (to come)?Is not Allah the wisest of judges?"
Amanat Khan's calligraphy are visible all over the complex including the tombs of the marble cenotaphs in the tomb.
There are many details on the exterior design of the Taj Mahal. In the plinth, minarets, gateway, mosque, and the jawab, abstract forms of decoration are used . Complex geometric forms are visible in the dome and vaults. One is sure to find herringbone inlays in spaces between adjoining elements. Also, white inlays have been used in the sandstone buildings and black inlays on the white marble. Additionally, there is use of staining and painting on the mortared parts of marble buildings. Tessellation patterns which make use of contrast colored tiles are seen on floors and and walkways. The tomb's lower walls bearing dados made of white marble have sculptured designs of vines and flowers. The inlays used in the complex comprise of yellow marble, jade and jasper, which have been in highly polished and leveled to the walls surface. The polish also emphasizes brilliant detailing on the carvings. The spandrels of the archway and dado frames are decorated using pietra dura. These employ detailing of fruits, flowers and vines.
Architecture of Taj Mahal
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