Based on this photo, write a description of this building.

9/21/15 Bell Ringer

STANDARD & OBJECTIVESI can visually analyze and describe the significance of the Taj Mahal.

7.10 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources to examine the art and architecture, including the Taj Mahal during the Mughal period

The Taj Mahal was built from 1632-1648 CE in Agra, India

The Mughal Empire• Turkish Muslims from Central Asia• Empire established by Babur in 1526• Government strengthened by emperor Akbar by

conquering new lands and practicing religious tolerance (no tax on non-Muslims)

• Cultural blending of Persian, Islamic, and Hindu elements

• Became known for works of art

The Taj Mahal was built from 1631-1653 CE in Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as the jewel of Muslim art in India. It is a universally admired masterpiece and one 9 wonders of the world.

• Taj Mahal = “Crown Palace”• Named for Mumtaz Mahal, deceased wife of Shah Jahan

(died while giving birth to her 14th child, OMG!)• Built to serve as Mumtaz Mahal’s tomb. Shah Jahan was

buried there next to her after his death.• Symmetrical harmony of design makes the structure appear

“mirror-esque”.• One large arch flanked by two smaller arches (typical Islamic design)

Emperor Shah Jahan himself described the Taj Mahal with these words:

Should guilty seek asylum here, Like one pardoned, he becomes free from sin. Should a sinner make his way to this mansion, All his past sins are to be washed away.The sight of this mansion creates sorrowing sighs;

And the sun and the moon shed tears from their eyes.In this world this edifice has been made; To display

thereby the creator's glory.

Square plan with chambered corners (at 45-degree angles)

• Minarets act like a picture frame, directing our views and sheltering the monument

• Grounds represent a vast funerary garden- the gardens found in heaven in the Islamic tradition

Taj Mahal interior

Decline of the Mughal Empire• Late 1600s the son of Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb, had

imprisoned his ill father, killed his brother, and seized control of the empire

• He reversed the tolerance of Akbar and had many Hindu temples destroyed.

• There were years of revolts, battles for the claim to the “throne” and by 1720 the empire had fallen apart

• Muslims were forced into present-day Pakistan and India remains a largely Hindu country

10 minutes

End

CLOSE READING

• Read the article closely

• Highlight or underline important evidence.

• Answer the questions

THE TAJ MAHAL

REVIEW QUESTIONS1. What year was the Taj Majal built?

2. Who was the emperor who built the Taj Mahal?

3. What empire was in power when the Taj Mahal was built?

4. What is the Taj Mahal made of?

5. What is a mausoleum?

6. What city is the Taj Mahal located in?

7. What ironic moment/ending is mentioned within this reading?

Taj Mahal...for sale?Imagine that the richest person on earth is interested in purchasing the Taj Mahal and YOU are just one of many that are competing to be the one to sell it. IF you sell it, then you will obviously receive millions upon millions for your real estate efforts!

Create a flyer that highlights the magnificence of this structure! You want to be chosen so your flyer needs to stand out above the rest.

Your flyer should include:• A detailed description of the property for sale• How many rooms, what are the grounds like, what’s it made of,

how old is it, who were the recent tenants• Why should someone buy this property• An illustration – make it look good…that’s the first thing people see!