Welcome to a journey through time and beauty, where we unravel the mystery behind one of the world’s most iconic structures – the Taj Mahal. Among its many secrets lies an ingredient that has stood the test of time, captivating hearts for centuries: Makrana white marble. This rare and exquisite material holds not just historical significance but also boasts unparalleled craftsmanship and mesmerizing aesthetics. Join us as we delve into the fascinating tale of how this secret ingredient shaped the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, leaving an indelible mark on architectural history. Prepare to be enchanted by its allure, as we uncover why Makrana marble is truly deserving of its place in this magnificent wonder of the world!
Introduction to Makrana Marble
In Rajasthan, India, Makrana marble is quarried in the town of Makrana and used for sculpture and architecture. The Taj Mahal is made entirely of Makrana marble.
Makrana marble was first used in the construction of the Taj Mahal in 1632. The quarries around Makrana were owned by the Mughal Emperors and the marble was extracted using traditional methods. The quality of Makrana marble is due to its purity and homogeneity.
The stone is soft when first quarried but hardens on exposure to air. It has a finely-grained texture and takes a high polish. Makrana marble has been used in many notable buildings including the Victoria Memorial, Mumbai High Court, Khalsa College Amritsar and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
History of Makrana Marble
Makrana white marble was first quarried in the early 12th century. It was used extensively during the rule of the Mughal Empire, from the 16th to 19th centuries. Makrana marble was used for many important projects commissioned by the Mughals, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
During the British Raj, Makrana marble continued to be quarried and used in architectural projects. In the 20th century, it fell out of favour with architects and builders due to its softness and lack of durability. However, Makrana marble has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years due to its unique appearance and relative affordability.
Cost of Makrana Marble in India
The cost of Makrana marble can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the stone and the size of the order. In general, Makrana marble is relatively inexpensive when compared to other types of marble. For example, a standard 10″ x 10″ piece of Makrana marble can cost as little as Rs 100 and the standard slab size will cost you Rs 500- 1200, depending on the mining, quality and pattern.
Uses of Makrana Marble
The Taj Mahal is perhaps the most famous example of a structure built with Makrana marble.
Makrana marble is quarried in the town of Makrana, in Rajasthan, India. The quarrying process is traditional and involves hand-cutting the stone from the mountain. This method results in a high-quality marble that is strong and durable. Today, Makrana marble is still widely used in India for both commercial and residential construction projects.
Significance of Makrana Marble in the Taj Mahal
Makrana marble has been used in many notable structures over the centuries, including the Taj Mahal. The stone is prized for its purity and whiteness, which creates a breathtakingly beautiful effect when used in architecture.
From 1632 to 1653, the Taj Mahal was built over a period of 20 years. It was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his late wife Mumtaz Mahal. The building is an architectural masterpiece, and its intricate design features a myriad of detailed carvings and calligraphy engraved into the Makrana marble walls and surfaces.
The Taj Mahal is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, and its iconic status is largely due to the use of Makrana marble in its construction. The stone lends an air of sophistication and elegance to the structure that is unrivalled by any other material.
Also Read:- Beauty of Makrana Marble
Pros and Cons of Using Makrana Marble
There are many pros to using Makrana marble.
- One is that it is very strong and durable. It has been used in some of the world’s most famous buildings for centuries, and it still looks beautiful today.
- Another pro is that it is very easy to work with. Sculptors and architects find it easy to carve and shape into the desired form.
There are also some cons to using Makrana marble.
- One is that makrana marble can be quite expensive than other stones.
- Another con is that it can be difficult to find large blocks of Makrana marble for big projects like the Taj Mahal.
Conclusion
The Taj Mahal is an incredible example of human ingenuity and creativity. Makrana marble, with its unique characteristics, was the perfect ingredient for the job. Thanks to its unparalleled quality and beauty, it allowed architects to create a structure that would stand the test of time – a testament to their skill and artistry. Despite centuries passing by, today’s visitors can enjoy this magnificent monument knowing that they are experiencing something truly special – crafted from one of nature’s finest materials: Makrana marble.