Taj Mahal grounds The Taj Mahal is on the bank of the Yamuna River. It has gardens, pools of water, and other buildings around it. (more) Why Are 22 Chambers Locked in the Taj Mahal? Written by Shatarupa Chaudhuri Shatarupa Chaudhuri is a senior editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica, bringing over 15 years of editorial experience in news media and publishing. Shatarupa Chaudhuri Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 27, 2026 •History The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum complex in Agra, Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. It is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture (a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles) and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1628–58) commissioned it in memory of his beloved empress consort, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 during childbirth. The central feature of the complex is...

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