What do you know about the famous monument of Taj Mahal?  Explain the artistic aspects in your own words. 

1) Among the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal, is a mausoleum made with white makrana marble 

2) It was built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan in the loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal at the banks of river Yamuna in Agra

3) It showcases Indo Islamic Architecture with features such as the four Minarets standing tall to reach God,

4) It is perfectly balanced and symmetrical 

5) A variety of artistic elements like carving, floral drawings and calligraphy are done similar in at least two areas so that balance and symmetry are maintained. 

6) Stone carvings in high or low relief are made on the walls. 

7) Decoration with inlay work of stylized and almost geometric vines, flowers and fruits are prominent. 

8) The octagonal marble screen or jaali is carved with intricate pierce work. 

9) Inlay work is done with semi-precious stones domes, 

10)The polishing of the marble adds to the beauty of the carvings.

11)Char-bagh style garden on all sides,water reservoir to keep the campus cool. 

OR 

(1) Kailasanatha temple of Ellora Caves is one of the largest rock-cut temples in the world 

(2) The construction of the temple began during the rule of the Rashtrakuta king (735-757 AD). 

(3) The rock is cut internally and externally, with precision, to build a monolithic rock temple. 

(4) At the entrance there is a huge rock screen with carvings and a twolevel doorway with leaves on top. 

(5) A door on the lower level leads into the double-storey gopuram, which has exquisitely carved sculptures on the walls. 

(6) Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna stand at the entrance gateway.

(7) There is a hall, a Nandi mandap leading to the garba griha (sanctum) with the Shiv linga, all of which are profusely carved 

(8) shikharas (towers). 

(9) A bridge connects the Nandi mandap to the gopuram. 

(10) There is a lotus on the roof of the sanctum. 

(11) There are many beautiful carvings prominently the Mahabharata and Ramayana panels.