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Taj Mahal is a monument located in Agra in India, constructed between 1631 and 1653 by a workforce of more than 20,000. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned its construction as a mausoleum for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj is considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style combining elements of Hindu and Islamic architectures. It has achieved special note because of the romance of its inspiration. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar part of the monument. The focus of the complex is the raised marble plinth in the center of the chamelifarsh platform, which supports the main building, the white marble mausoleum or tomb of Mumtaz. The importance of this building is emphasized by its raised foundation, and by the wide walkway and long reflecting pool which lead there from the entrance gateway. (more...)