Which famous structure was built as a mausoleum for Emperor Shah Jahan's wife? A) Colosseum B) Great Wall of China C) Taj Mahal D) Petra
VerifiedAnswer: C) Taj Mahal
Explanation:
The Taj Mahal is the correct answer to this question. This magnificent white marble structure was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 during the birth of their 14th child.
Located in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal took approximately 22 years to complete (1632-1654) and involved over 20,000 skilled craftsmen and workers from across the Mughal Empire and beyond. The emperor was so heartbroken by his wife's death that he commissioned this eternal symbol of love, which has become one of the most recognizable monuments in the world.
Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:
• The Colosseum in Rome was an amphitheater built for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles during the Roman Empire, not a mausoleum
• The Great Wall of China was constructed as a defensive fortification system to protect Chinese states from invasions, spanning thousands of miles across northern China
• Petra in Jordan is an ancient archaeological site carved into rock faces, serving as the capital city of the Nabataean Kingdom, not a mausoleum for any Mughal empress
The Taj Mahal stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Its stunning architecture combines elements from Islamic, Persian, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian architectural styles, making it a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a testament to eternal love.
