Taj Mahal - The Interior

The layout used for the interior of the Taj Mahal is the "hasth bihisth", a nine fold plan borrowed from Persian architecture. As we see in the layout below, the central chamber that houses the cenotaphs has an octagonal shape. It is flanked by square chambers on all four corners. Staircases lead to the upper storey that has four octagonal rooms as seen below. The rooms also have balconies (see next picture) with jali screens to allow light and air to filter in to the chambers.

Interior layout of the Taj Mahal

All the interior walls of the masoleum have huge arches that have jalis to allow air and light (picture below). The shining marble cladded on the walls are decorated with beautiful floral patterns using carving and inlay work.