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Sunday, April 4, 2010

Motifs of Taj Mahal


Flowers are often seen as a reference to Paradise, their blooms and color a testament to the abundant waters and fruitful nature of the gardens of Eden


In much Timurid architecture, which the Mughals greatly admired, geometric patterns and well proportioned designs were also seen as an indication of divine harmony and peace. This idea may have inspired the balanced and harmonious abstract designs that ornament the Taj Mahal.


A combination of the three types of motif - calligraphic, floral and geometric - creates a decorative scheme that forms part of an earthly representation of a heavenly paradise.