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 The beauty and the splendor of the Taj Mahal in Agra increased manifold with the construction of the beautiful gardens around. The entire complex of the Taj Mahal is surrounded by an extensive 300 meter square charbagh. The Taj Mahal’s Gardens are laid out conforming to the Mughal patterns.
The gardens in Taj Mahal are designed in such a fashion that the elevated pathways segregate the 4 different quarters of the garden into 16 deep-set flowerbeds. There is an elevated marble water tank also situated at the middle of the Taj Mahal’s Gardens. The tank falls midway between the tomb and the gateway. This elevated water tank is known as al Hawd al-Kawthar which has a reference to Tank of Abundance. Also, you will come across a pool lying in the north-south angle. In the pool you will see the reflection of the beautiful edifice of the Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal’s Gardens are bedecked with an array of exquisite trees and fountains. It is held that the layout of the Charbagh or the gardens in Taj Mahal depicts the 4 flowing rivers of Paradise. Besides, the strategic situation of the walkways, tomb or pavilion in the middle of the gardens adds to the beauty of the entire region and complements the great architecture of the Taj Mahal.
An interesting point that has been brought under the light by the Archaeological Survey of India as per the gardens in Taj Mahal is concerned is that while designing the gardens the architect included River Yamuna too to show it as one of the four rivers of Paradise. The Taj Mahal’s Gardens are believed to be designed by Ali Mardan the engineer who also made the layout for the Shalimar gardens in Kashmir.
Besides, on going through the records on the gardens in Taj Mahal you will get to know that the gardens were abundant with lush vegetation comprising of roses, daffodils, and fruit trees. But unfortunately the decline of Mughal rule affected the maintenance procedure of these gardens. However, under British management the Taj Mahal’s gardens were restored and redesigned in the lines of London lawns as apparent from the look.
Tajmahal-tours.com offers interesting and detailed information on Taj Mahal's Gardens and Taj Mahal Tours, India.
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