Synopsis A miracle in marble! A dream in marble! A poem! Lavishly praised by countless critics, connoisseurs and commoners, the Taj Mahal has stayed as one of the world’s architectural wonders ever since the day of its completion in 1648. And is unmistakably one of the outstanding creations in the whole spectrum of Islamic architecture in India. For its richness, evocative aesthetic appeal and prodigiousness, it counts among man’s proudest creations. This magnificent mausoleum, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan to memorialize his love for the queen, took seventeen years to complete. Even if the contemporary sources refer to this most exquisite specimen of human architecture as “Illuminated Tomb” (rauza-i-munavvara), it is popularly known as Taj Mahal, obviously deriving its name from the title of the queen: Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj is not just architecture, but, in Sir Arnold Edwin’s word, “the proud passion of an Emperor’s love”. It is love made tangible, crystallized. Volumes have been written on the monument. And language has been almost exhausted in its praise. This book, yet another addition to the numerous writings on the Taj, is one of the very few scientific, at once authentic documentation of the art, architecture and conservation of this truly impressive creation. It is the first systematic account of the Taj Mahal and its conservation since mid-17th century. Focusing, simultaneously, on the diverse architectural components of this unique mausoleum, it examines the tradition and style adopted by its architects. The outcome of the author’s close, personal observation of the monument, the book also brings out various scientific studies relating to its structural stability, the nature of its foundations and building materials, verticality of its minarets, and several other aspects. The book is enriched with many exquisite photographs – all in colour. Dr D. Dayalan is Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Agra Circle, Agra.