“Majestic in its beauty, the monument seemed suspended between heaven and earth. It seemed to float, almost weightless above its surrounding courtyards, mirror like water courses and emerald gardens”
Amma and her two inquisitive children Shiv & Veer gasp at the majestic white marbled structure that lay in front of them. In a series of conversations, this series unravels the beauty of the Taj Mahal, its historical significance and archaeological measurements.
The story starts with the description of the red sandstone structure Darwaza-i-rausa (Great Gate) standing tall at 30 metres high and 40 metres wide. Amma starts narrating the story right from Babur’s ancestry, his conquests and his siege to the throne of Delhi by defeating Ibrahim Lodhi. The book then traces the history of Babur’s successors, the internal conflicts for the throne, their distinct traits that differentiated them from their ancestors etc. It also outlines the intricate details associated with the construction of the mausoleum like the length of the minarets, inscriptions hand-picked from the Quran, symmetry of the architecture, placement of the tombs and religious significance.
Bhakti has emphasized the confluence of the Mughal and Indian cultures and how it contributed to a cultural enrichment. The writing style gives a detailed historical account of the rise and fall of the Mughal empire.
Props to the illustrator for recreating Mughal-style paintings and vibrant visuals in his signature style.
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