The main gateway of the Taj Mahal

The main gateway of the Taj Mahal is one of the five main elements of this magnificent monument. Adorned with Hindu motifs, the Taj gateway is a tall niche doorway in the shape of an oval arch that rises till the mid-height of the structure. With a vertical symmetry, the main gateway of Taj Mahal stands bordered with Arabic calligraphy of verses from the Quran, made up of black stone. An optical illusion is brilliantly at play here as the size of the letters has been increased in such a way that it all seems consistent all over the arch from top to bottom.

Further beautifying the gateway to the Taj is an image of a white teardrop with a red trident, located above the pointed tip of the niche. When the gateway was under construction, this frontal gateway served as the main entrance. All these motifs of the gateway reflect a Hindu touch. Entwined flowers, mainly red lotus ones, leaves and vines ornament the sloping sides of the niche. These motifs were formed by semi-precious stones inlaid in the marble.