The Taj Mahal, a superb example of art and architecture and an epitome of love, is a UNESCO protected monument and is located on the bank of the river Yamuna in Agra. Several unprecedented architectural features fused together make these monuments a real world wonder. In this article I want to focus on the artistic phenomenon of the Taj specially the precise inlaying work done in the white marble by semi precious stones which looks like paintings from a distance. If you plan a day tour of the Taj or multi day tour wall and floor tiles of Agra, you can explore this beautiful work and appreciate this art. The edifice of the Taj is erected out of brick and mortar and the outward coating is done by white Makarana marble. Makarana is the name of the quarry in Rajasthan from where this marble was mined and then transported by camel carts to the city of the Taj. Some subsidiary buildings in the Taj Mahal campus were built out of red sandstones which were mined locally from Fatehpur Sikri and were abundantly used in the construction of the Mosque and the Royal guest house.

The roots of the traditional inlay work can be found in Italy and Iran - This inlay art in local terms is known as Pacchikari work and in Italian terms as Pietra-Dura work. Pietra meaning stone and Dura signifying as tough. Earlier this work was done by glazed tiles as well in same buildings of Turkey, Uzbekistan and Iran. Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor summoned the best Inlayers from distant parts and gave them space in Agra in the modern Taj Ganj and Gokulpura areas of Agra City.

These artisans used to work under the supervision of their master craftsman at their homes on particular assignments. First of all they used to get the designs of pattern (Whether may be geometrical, Calligraphic or floral patterns) from the supervisors. After cutting the marble slabs according to the size of the pattern, they used to apply red temporary colour on the white marble because on the white surface of the white marble it is hard to draw the outlines. Then they used to makes cavities in the white marble using by using iron hand chisels specially tempered with brass and apply the pressure of their finger tips and thus preparing the groves for fixing the other stones. Another craftsman who was deft handling in shaping and polishing the stones used to shape the raw chips of the semi- precious stones on emery power wheel with their finger tips and after giving them proper shape use to stick these prepared stones in the marble groves with a special adhesive which they called super glue. White they applied this glue they used to put burning charcoal on the glue (but only once) and thus after softening this glue they used to stick these prepared semi precious stones. The quality of the glue is such that after melting once only it never melts again. Even after nearly 400 yearly later there is no adverse effect of heat, thunder and storm on the Taj Mahal. Presently if you visit any of the inlayers they can show you the glue but they keep the formation of the glue as a wall and floor tiles secret with them only and do not disclose to anybody. After fixing the stones they rub the marble pieces, the red temporary colour goes out and the inlaid stones shine out.

There is a long list of semi- precious stones used in the Taj Mahal Prominent of them are Malachite, Carnelian, Agate, Indian jade, Lapis Lazuli, Jasper, Coral, Onyx, Tourmaline, Turquoise, Amethyst, Aquamarine etc. One orange coloured stone named carnelian becomes glowy with the impact of light.