The history of Taj Mahal

Shahjehan chose to build this structure on the banks of the river Yamuna. Skilled workers from all over the empire and beyond numbering more than twenty thousand were appointed. There were draftsmen, engineers, stonecutters, masons, engravers, sculptors, jewelers, calligraphers and others. The Emperor was not ready to compromise on anything; no cost was too great. The materials came from all over the world - red sandstone was brought from Agra, the white marble came from Makrana, crystal and jade from China, diamonds from Golconda, turquoise from Tibet, silver, gold, precious and semi-precious stones came from royal coffers.
The artisans settled down in the area surrounding the site chosen for the construction and this settlement came to be known as “Mumtazabad”. Work on the monument went on for twenty-two years before it was finally ready. The Emperor was forever present to see that everything was done perfectly. After many long years the dream finally became reality and the formidable Taj Mahal was ready, set in a beautiful garden of Persian design.