Divided Into: Four Parts
Canals: Two (crossing in the center)
Flowerbeds: Sixteen
Trees: Cyprus and Fruit-bearing Trees
Taj
Mahal Gardens are set up in a Persian style, running from the main
gateway to the base of the Taj Mahal. The Persian style of gardens, with
emphasis on flowers, fruit, birds, leaves, symmetry and delicacy, was
introduced in India by Babur. These gardens were based on geometric
arrangements of nature and no attempt was made to give them a "natural"
look. Another architectural attribute that has been followed in the case
of the entire monument, especially the gardens of the Taj Mahal of Agra,
is the usage of number four and its multiples. Since four is considered the holiest number in Islam, all the arrangements of Charbagh Garden of Taj Mahal are based on four or its multiples. The entire garden is divided into four parts, with two marble canals studded with fountains crossing in the center. In each quarter portion, there are 16 flowerbeds that have been divided by stone-paved raised pathways. It is said that even each of the flowerbed was planted with 400 plants.
The trees of the Taj garden are either that of Cyprus (signifying death) or of the fruit bearing type (signifying life) and even they are arranged in a symmetrical pattern. Taj Mahal occupies the north end corner of the garden, instead of being in the center. Infact, at the center of the garden, between the Taj and its gateway, is a raised marble lotus-tank with a cusped border, which reflects the Taj in its waters.