TIME OF INDIA NDTV
group of the finest architects was assembled to devise a
plan for erecting the tomb. Eventually, Ustad Isa, a Persian
architect, was called upon to design the structure. The
master architect along with his pupil Ustad Ahmad began the
construction of the edifice. The
dome, however, was fashioned by
Ismail Khan. A total of 20,000 labourers from across the
country and the world were employed to work for 22 years
continuously. Finest of the marbles were procured from the
district of Markana near Jodhpur. Precious and semi precious
stones were brought from far off places.
TIME OF INDIA NDTV
It is said, that after the completion of the construction, when
emperor Shah Jahan viewed the Taj, he ordered his men to
cut off the right hand of the master architect Ustad Isa, so
the later may not be able to erect such a stately and
imposing edifice again in his life. There's another legend
that says Shah Jahan was contemplating to build yet another Taj
Mahal across the river in black marble.
