The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed over a period of 22 years in the 17th century, the Taj Mahal is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The white marble structure is renowned for its intricate carvings and delicate inlay work.
Mumtaz Mahal was the third wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who ruled India from 1628 to 1658. She was a favorite wife of Shah Jahan and accompanied him on military campaigns. Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 while giving birth to her 14th child. Her death had a profound effect on Shah Jahan, who decided to build a grand mausoleum in her memory, the Taj Mahal, which is considered one of the most famous structures in the world.
Shah Jahan's son Aurangzeb imprisoned him because he wanted to take control of the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb and his brothers had long been vying for power and influence, and after the death of their father, Aurangzeb saw an opportunity to seize the throne. He staged a palace coup, imprisoned Shah Jahan in Agra Fort, and took over as the new emperor. Shah Jahan was kept under house arrest for the rest of his life, and is said to have spent his days gazing out at the Taj Mahal, which he had built in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.