 |
| A school of animal friends |
Stepping into Agra was like stepping into another world- a world of clashing fixtures, grinding poverty, a majestic palace poised upon a hilltop, looking down into the slums of ad nauseum combustion, noise and frenzied traffic. Located on the banks of the Yemuna river, it became the center of power, the city of Mughal reign in the 16th century and ultimately, the birthplace of one of the greatest wonders ever to behold, the illustrious Taj Mahal.
For two centuries and more, travelers and poets have lavished praise on this monumental structure, becoming in its own right, synonymous with India. I needed to come and see it for myself, for what is a trip to India without witnessing the marvel with my own eyes?
 |
| Craftsman and artisans creating beautiful relics made from marble and imported precious stones |
 |
| Lapislazuli, Amazonite, Tiger Eye, Coral, Turquoise, Black Onyx, Mother of Pearl |
 |
| A replica of one marble slab from the Taj Mahal |
The pictures above detail my trip to a beautiful art gallery, all hand-made items crafted laboriously and painstakingly on site grounds using the same materials the original builders used in 1631, the first year the Taj began it's 22 year period of construction. I was amazed to see that it took over one month to create a single hexagonal slab by hand, inlayed with precious stones imported from all over the East. The surface is incredibly smooth; sanders had to ensure that the gems would remain embedded in the indestructable marble for millennia to come. This illustrates the pure genius of utility combined with ineffable beauty.
 |
| A view of the great mausaleoum from a hilltop |
 |
| Idling camel |
 |
| scorching sunsets |
 |
| Curled up and ready to slumber |
