18x24 cm size (horizontal)

Pp. 168+64 (Persian text of two manuscripts), 22 halftone plates and 7 text figures, 14 tables, 7 appendices and a glossary of Persian terms

It compiles and interprets the data related to the construction of the Taj Mahal at Agra (1631-48 A.D). e.g. its builders, stones, costs and measurements, from several Persian manuscripts, firmans and Court histories. It settles scores of popular misnomers and answers such elusive questions : Was it possible that some builders were paid @ Rs. 1000/- per month when gold was sold @ Rs. 15/- per tola? Could only 40 and odd skilled artisans who are named build the entire Taj Mahal ? Could it have been built only with 323 pieces of Tilai, 850 of Ajuba, 999 of Sang-i-Musa and 840 of Khattu, for example ? How the costs of three sets of tombstones could be given when only two exist now ? Where is the third set?

It sheds light on the circumstances of its construction and explains how the land on which it stands was selected and acquired.

The book, thus, essentially deals with the origin of its IDEA and FORM and makes up the basic history of this great monument which has come down to us as the most representative architectural relic of Medieval India.

Contents :

1. Introduction- Manuscripts, Origin of the idea of Taj
2. The Builders of the Taj Mahal - Ustad Isa Afandi, Abdul Haq,
    Muhammad Hanif, Ran Mal, Ismail Khan Rumi, Finial Maker, Inlayers,
    Comparative study of the Mss.
    List of Builders
3. The Stones Used in the Construction - The Quantitative List,
    Qualitative List, List of stones used with quantity, Imperial Firmans
    to regulate supply of Marble. Building Material and their Prices
4. The Measurements - Measurements of the Land occupied by
    different sections of the Taj Mahal, Various Measurements of Taj
    recorded in these mss.
5. The Costs - Architectural Portions, Loose fittings, Tombstones,
    Details of the cost of different Architectural Portions of the
    Taj Mahal and costs of the Tombstones as given in mss.
6. Lahauri's Narrative of A.H. 1040/1630-31 A.D
7. Lahauri's Description of the Taj Mahal in 1642-43, Glossary of Persian
    Terms used by Lahauri, List of villages along with Annual Revenue
    granted as Vaqf for Taj Mahal
8. Retrospect - Conclusions

   Persian Texts of Mss. By Syed Hasan and Mughal Beg