Majestic - Magnificant the Taj Mahal

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The impact of this picture is amazing

Rajasthan, episode 4

Leaving Delhi for Agra, we were on our way to see the Taj Mahal. Whilst I have seen many pictures of the Taj Mahal in books and magazines, none of them can do justice to seeing this monument for the first time. It is stunning.

We visited late in the afternoon to get that soft warm glow that works so well on any number of subjects. Wherever you stood, there seemed to be a glow radiating from the structure. This is the most amazing building I have ever seen. There is something very special about this place that it is difficult to describe. I list a few facts if only to remind me when it was built and how long it took:

• The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum. It was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife, Empress Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. So great was the Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz, that he ordered the building of the most beautiful mausoleum on Earth for her, The Taj Mahal.

• Construction of the tomb started in 1632, and was completed in 1648. It took 22 years to complete, and an extra 5 years for the garden, with the help of 20,000 workers.

• The Taj Mahal is built from precious white marble with delicate mosiac, with inlaid precious stones. Almost every surface of the entire building has been decorated, and every detail is symmetrical. The mosaic designs are based on three decorative elements - calligraphy, abstract geometric and vegetative motifs. The exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal are among the finest to be found in Mughal architecture of any period.

I took a number of pictures at different locations and angles. On reviewing them, I was surprised with the quality and impact of the images. I consider these pictures as ‘snapshots’, hand-held and often jockeying for position due to the vast number of people at the tomb. However, I put this down to the majesty and mystique of the Taj Mahal, where whoever takes a picture is sure to get a cracking shot – in spite of the photographer!

I trust you will enjoy the pictures:

The first view of the Taj Mahal as you walk through the gate to the gardens

One of the traditional shots of the fountain in front of the Taj Mahal

From whatever angle, the impact is fantastic

A view of the main structure taken with a Nikkor 20-35 mm lens at 22mm showing the impact of diverging verticals from ground level. Sometimes images with diverging vertical work – as in this shot.

A rear view of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River on a misty foggy morning

Rajasthan, episode 3: Soup Kitchen Extravaganza

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Soup Kitchen Extravaganza

Rajasthan, episode 3

The towns and cities we traveled through included Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are within the area is known as the Golden Triangle. Whilst we did not set out to spend long periods of time at these locations, we spent a day, accompanied by a guide, in Delhi, Agra – the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur – the Pink city.

Now, buildings and monuments are not my first choice of subjects, but you could not fail to be impressed with the sites and buildings at these three locations.

Delhi – has a number of interesting sites, but we expressed a desire to see the working side of Delhi rather than the tourist bits. I have shown a number of pictures of ‘Street Life’ previously (blog post of 5th March), but I cannot resist showing a number of pictures of a Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Sikh Temple and the soup kitchen.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan.

We had the most amazing afternoon visiting the temple and in particular, the soup kitchen. Again, I must comment on the friendly nature of everyone we met. Many wanted their photograph taken, particularly with my wife – but not me?

What a fascinating place! Men and women of all ages volunteer to prepare the food for all who turn up on the day. The temple is open to all Sikhs and a free meal is guaranteed to all. The cost to volunteers; some of their time helping others who, perhaps, cannot help themselves. That’s food for thought.

An Indian family with Memsahib on the left of the picture outside the temple

The central point in the temple for worship and meditation

One of the large cauldrons with what’s left of soup of the day

One of the meals set out on a tray ready for serving

A close up of a cauldron showing the gas burners

A group of volunteers preparing onions for the day’s meal

A line of cauldrons showing the size of the kitchen

Rajasthan, episode 2: From Delhi to Roop Niwas by road and by train
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