Taj Mahal

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White marble mausoleum built 1632–48 on the River Yamuna near Agra, India. Erected by Shah Jahan to the memory of his favourite wife, it is a celebrated example of Indo-Islamic architecture, the fusion of Muslim and Hindu styles.

It took 20,000 workers to build the Taj Mahal, which has a central dome and minarets on each corner. Every facade is inlaid with semi-precious stones. Ransacked in the 18th century, it was restored in the early 20th century and is a symbol of India to the world.

The central band was originally red. It was changed to blue to express solidarity with the Allies during World War I. Effective date: 28 September 1917. >>