Build Me The Taj Mahal

Published: June 17, 2024, 12:20 a.m.

India\u2019s most famous building, Agra\u2019s Taj Mahal, was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan - following the death in childbirth of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, on 17th June, 1631.\xa0\nRenowned for its stunning architecture - a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles - the mausoleum can be seen not only as a testament to the couple\u2019s love (despite the fact the Shah had three other wives\u2026), but also as an embodiment of his empire\u2019s extraordinary wealth and power.\n\nIn this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly reveal the scale of the workforce brought in to construct this pioneering palace; consider whether Mumtaz truly was a \u2018Queen of Hearts\u2019; and assess the various Taj Mahal replicas across the world\u2026\n\nFurther Reading:\n\u2022 \u2018The History and Love Story of the Taj Mahal\u2019 (ThoughtCo, 2019): https://www.thoughtco.com/the-taj-mahal-1434536\n\u2022\xa0\u2019A husband's love built the Taj Mahal\u2014but cost him an empire\u2019 (National Geographic): https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/a-husbands-love-built-the-taj-mahal-but-cost-him-an-empire\n\u2022 \u2018Is this the most beautiful building in the world? - Stephanie Honchell Smith\u2019 (TedEd, 2023): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v580zy82rcE\n\n\ufeffLove the show? Support us!\xa0\nJoin\xa0 \U0001f334CLUB RETROSPECTORS\U0001f334to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY\u2026\xa0\n\n\u2026 Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.\xa0\nJoin now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show \u2764\ufe0f\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices