Page 181 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

AG R A  179

Carved Relief Work
Decorative panels of flowering plants, foliage
and vases are realistically carved on the lower
portions of the walls. While the pietra dura
adds colour to the pristine white marble,
the carved relief work highlights the texture of
the polished marble and sandstone surface.

Floral sprays,
carved in relief
on the marble and
sandstone dado
levels, are framed
with pietra dura
and stone inlay
borders. The
profusion of floral
motifs in the
Taj symbolizes
the central
paradise theme.

Jali patterns on the
octagonal perforated
screen surrounding
the tombs are a
complex combination
of the geometric and
floral. The filtered light
captures the intricate
designs and casts
mosaic-like shadows
on the tombs.
Calligraphy
Inlaid calligraphy in black marble was used
as a form of ornamentation on undecorated
surfaces. The exquisitely detailed panels
of inscribed Koranic passages, which line the
recessed arches like banners, were designed
by the Persian calligrapher, Amanat Khan.

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