One of the world's greatest love stories gave birth to a timeless monument. The beauty of the structure inspired the poetic words of the builder himself. The monument is an engineering marvel that has been studied by researchers and historians alike. Throughout history, visitors have been fascinated by the elegance of the sanctuary. Count Hermann Keyserling describes the monument as “a massive marble structure, weightless, as if formed from ether, perfectly rational and at the same time entirely decorative (Taj Mahal, 2008). Keyserling added: “It is perhaps the greatest work of art that the formative spirit of humanity has ever produced (Taj Mahal, 2008). " American novelist Bayard Taylor referred to this structure as a castle in the air (Taj Mahal, 2008). Built as a tomb for the emperor's deceased wife, the Taj Mahal is one of the greatest man-made creations in the world. world history. The Taj Mahal travel site illustrates the origins of this monument. It was built as a memorial and tomb to Mumtaz Mahal, the deceased wife of Emperor Shah Jahan (Taj Mahal, 2008). her death, while giving birth to Shah Jahan's fourteenth child, she asked Jahan to build a monument in her honor, as stated on the Taj Mahal website (Taj Mahal, 2008). Construction began and was finally completed twenty-two years later (Taj Mahal, 2008) Twenty-two thousand workers worked on the construction of the monument, bringing materials by elephant from many parts of Asia (Taj Mahal). , 2008). The website Islamique Architecture cites Iranian architect Ustad Ahmed Lahwari as the structure's principal designer; however, other architects played leading roles in the monument's design (Organization, 1995-2003). Over time, the esti...... middle of paper ......ks Cité (2007). Extracted February 11, 2012 from the Taj Mahal, the tear on the cheek of history: http://www.thetajmahalindia.com/tajmahalinformation.html(2008). Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Taj Mahal: http://www.tajmahal.org.uk/Archaeological Survey of India. (nd). Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_agratajmahal.aspInc, ET (2003). A monument of immeasurable beauty and love. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Taj Mahal: http://www.tajmahal.travel/Invis Multimedia. (2010). Taj MahalAgraIindia. Accessed February 11, 2012 from India video.org: http://www.indiavideo.org/text/taj-mahal-agra-1312.php Kleiner, FS (2010, pages 38). Gardner's Art Through the Ages. Boston, MA: Wadsworth.Organization, IA (1995-2003). Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Islamic Architecture: http://www.islamicart.com/library/empires/india/taj_mahal.html