Inlaid natural stones in Makrana Marble Taj Mausoleum of India

Abstract

<p>Taj Mahal, the iconic mausoleum, known for finest quality white Makrana Marble from Rajasthan, is inlaid with numerous natural stones which add to the beauty of this architectural wonder from India. Makrana marble has been recently designated as a Global Heritage Stone Resource (GHSR) by IUGS. Makrana marble is the first GHSR from India and in fact the first from the whole of Asia to join the list of 22 designated GHSR’s from around the globe.</p><p>The Taj mausoleum is part of the Taj Mahal complex which has numerous edifices built in marble and red sandstone. The white Makrana Marble mausoleum is placed in the center of the northern periphery of the Complex. The main mausoleum is a magnificent octagonal edifice with its arched doorways, walls, floor adorned with intricate inlaid work in semi-precious natural stones and rocks that add an aesthetic dimension to this otherwise white marble edifice. The natural stones adorning the various components of the marble edifice include Yellow Jaisalmer Limestone, black slate, carnelian, agate, Khatu Rainbow Sandstone, onyx, lapis lazuli, malachite, jade, mother pearl, etc. The inlaid natural stones of Taj Mausoleum were procured from far off places during the Mughal rule in India.</p>