Taj Mahal - Minarets

It is funny how the architects of a structure as priceless as the Taj Mahal would in good humour also design to have four sentries in all four corners to protect it. The Taj Mahal's minarets detached from the main tomb and standing tall at 138 feet were intelligently designed with a slant towards the outward side. This was done so that incase of any minaret topples, it causes no damage to the central dome.

Close up of the Taj Mahal minarets

Significantly enhancing the beauty of the main structure, these four minarets rise from the plinth with an eight sided base and a circular pillar. On the top of the pillar is an octagonal balcony. Decorated with delicate inlay work and beautiful carvings, the balcony is encircled with geometric patterns and floral motifs. Other than the octagonal balcony on the top, the circular pillar has two more balconies that break the monotony of the otherwise plain structure. It is difficult to ascertain whether the minarets were built only from a design point of view or there was some other rationale behind it. It may have been built as a watch tower or a place from where the "muezzin" calls for prayers.