Taj Mahal

As much fairy tale as nonfiction picture book, Taj Mahal is tells the love story behind the creation of one of the world's most recognizable structures. The book focuses on Shah Jahan of the 17th century Mughal dynasty, his abiding love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and his obsessive quest to build the perfect tomb (and monument to their love) after her untimely death. The illustrations by Rahal Bughan beautifully imitate the style of 17th century Indian art, though we don't get to see many of the details of the Taj Mahal so painstakingly described in the text. The back matter includes further information about the Mughal Empire and the construction of the mausoleum, as well as a list of sources. I was surprised there was no glossary show more considering the many architectural terms used--had to look some of them up! show less

This was a beautiful book, the illustrations and text are rich and immersive.

The end notes are interesting.

Imagine being the 3/4 wives of Shah Jahan who were NOT Mumbat. 🫠.

Genre: This book is a good example of a legend because it tells the story behind the famous Taj Mahal, a beautiful love story unaccompanied by any facts other than the people involved.

Setting: This book is set in the enchanted land of India in the 1600s, the Moghul dynasty.

Media: minature paintings surrounded by carpet patterns

Summary: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Emperor Shah Jahan and the beautiful monument he built for his true love, Mumtaz Mahal. It tells of their love story and of how the work of architecture came to be. The end of the book includes the history of each of the various characters and the Taj Mahal itself.
Media: Acrylic, Pen, Gold leaf