Ten fascinating facts about the Taj Mahal:

1. Construction Timeline: The Taj Mahal was built over a period of 21 years, starting in 1632 and completed in 1653.

2. Artisans and Labor: More than 20,000 artisans and workers were involved in its construction, including skilled craftsmen from all over India and Central Asia.

3. Materials: The white marble used for the Taj Mahal was brought from Makrana, Rajasthan, and the precious and semi-precious stones used for the inlay work were sourced from various parts of Asia.

4. Symmetry and Perfection: The Taj Mahal is a perfect example of symmetry in architecture. Its four minarets are symmetrically placed around the central dome, and the entire structure is designed to maintain perfect balance and proportion.

5. Changing Colors: The Taj Mahal changes color depending on the time of day. It appears pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, and golden under the moonlight.

6. Intricate Inlay Work: The monument is famous for its intricate inlay work called ‘pietra dura,’ which involves embedding precious stones into marble to create detailed floral and geometric designs.

7. Architectural Influences: The architecture of the Taj Mahal combines elements from Persian, Islamic, Ottoman Turkish, and Indian styles, showcasing a unique fusion that represents the Mughal era.

8. Legends of Black Taj Mahal: According to a popular legend, Shah Jahan planned to build a black marble mausoleum opposite the Taj Mahal, across the Yamuna River, as a mirror image, but was never able to do so due to his imprisonment by his son Aurangzeb.

9. UNESCO World Heritage: The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and is widely considered one of the greatest architectural achievements in the world.