
Famous
as monument of Love, Taj Mahal was most beautiful building in the world and
was built by an emperor as a memorial to his beloved wife.
The love story between Mumtaaj mahal and Shahjahan began when they
accidently met each other at bazzar. Since they both were juvenile, the
cupid striked and love conquered both the hearts at the mere age of 15 and
14 respectively. Mumtaj Mahal was then known as Arjumand Banu Begum and was
the the daughter of his father's prime minister. Shahjahan was so mesmerized
by Mumtaj's beauty that he presented a diamond gift of around 10,000 rupees
and then presented his proposal to her father.
Their wedding took place five years later, in 1612. From that time they
were inseparable (although Shah Jahan also had other wives). After becoming
emperor in 1628, Shah Jahan entrusted Arjumand Banu with the royal seal. He
called her Mumtaz Mahal, "jewel of the palace." She accompanied
him on military campaigns, advised him on affairs of state, and was loved by
his subjects for her charitable work.

When Mumtaz was still alive she took four promises from her husband; first,
that he build her a monument, symbolizing their love; second, that he should
marry again; third, that he be kind to their children ; and fourth, that he
visit the tomb on her death anniversary.
Since destiny had something else written for them and they had to part.
Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 after giving birth to their 14th child. Her
heartbroken husband spent approximately two decades, and much of the money
in the royal treasury, fulfilling his wife's dying wish by building a
monument to their love.
The Taj Mahal is considered one of the wonders of the world. It stands amid
acres of gardens on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra. The most famous
part of the monument is the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal with its white marble dome,
but the 42-acre complex also includes mosques, minarets and other buildings.