Ornamental Horticulture

Taj Mahal Gardens, Agra

The Taj Mahal in Agra is a mausoleum built by the Moghul Emperor Shah Jehan (1592-1666) in memory of Mum Taz, his beloved wife, who died in childbirth. Though this is located outside the geographical region under consideration in this book, it requires mention for its being the beginning of a style. The architectural splendour is complimented by a garden, 8 ha in extent. The garden is formal in style characterized by terraced square plots, interspersed by walks, attractive stonework and steps. Water from the Yamuna is channeled both along and across the garden. To create movements of water, chutes were fixed at regular intervals along the channels. The Taj gardens are a good example of Mughal gardening. The main aesthetic feature here is the placement of the tomb in vista when on approaches it from the entrance gate. The garden is planted to Cupressus, pomegranate and other fruit trees, formal hedges and the scented jasmine, are all planted in pictorial symmetry. The entire planting and the water serve to create a reflective mood, befitting a tomb of a loved one, irretrievably snatched away by the hands of cruel death. A golden moon further enhances the charm of the marble tomb and its landscape.