Period of Construction: 1632-1638
The
main gateway of the Taj Mahal is one of the five main elements of this
magnificent monument. Adorned with Hindu motifs, the Taj gateway is a
tall niche doorway in the shape of an ogival arch that rises till the
mid-height of the structure. With a vertical symmetry, the main gateway
of Taj Mahal stands bordered with Arabic calligraphy of verses from the
Quran, made up of black stone. Entwined flowers, mainly red lotus ones,
leaves and vines ornament the sloping sides of the niche. These motifs
were formed by semi-precious stones inlaid in the marble.Further beautifying the gateway to the Taj is an image of a white teardrop with a red trident, located above the pointed tip of the niche. When the gateway was under construction, this frontal gateway served as the main entrance. All these motifs of the gateway reflect a Hindu touch. The flowers, vines, and leaves that are sinuous and idealized rather than geometric, the red lotus flowers that represent Lord Brahma, etc all point towards a Hindu influence in the construction of Taj Mahal.