Horticulture of the Taj Mahal: Gardens of the imagination

摘要

The 17th century mausoleum in Agra, India, known as the Taj Mahal, has been long considered one of the most, if not the most, beautiful building, in the world. The structure is part of a large complex of buildings and gardens encompassing 1.7 hectares. Although usually considered in terms of its architecture, the building and grounds are rich in horticulture. The gardens in the Persian style, although considerably altered from the original, are justly famous. The external and internal walls are profusely ornamented with bas reliefs and stone inlays of flowers and plants that combine Persian, Indian, and Western influences. Ornamental geophytes are a prominent part of floral imagery The architecture, garden, and decoration of the Taj Mahal are considered the pinnacle of Indo-Mughal art.