The grief of a Muslim shah for his dead wife inspired the 17th-century construction of what would become the architectural jewel of the Mughal empire in India. The Taj Mahal, built as a tomb for the Persian wife of a male descendant of Genghis Khan, showcases the splendid craftsmanship of South Asian artisans, the motifs of Persian-inspired Muslim art and architecture, and the political influence of Central Asian conquerors in India. Historian Justin M. Jacobs simulates the experience of a visit to the Taj Mahal complex, highlighting major historical themes and revealing architectural details along the way.
Jacobs is a professor of history at American University.
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