The Taj Mahal stands as a global symbol of love and beauty. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, this white marble monument in Agra continues to capture the imagination of travelers from all around the world.
This quiz looks at the construction details and history of the complex. You will see questions about the materials used, the distinct layout, and the decorative arts that adorn its famous walls.
When you finish, try browsing our quizzes on historic places, UNESCO architecture, or architectural details.
In which Indian city is the Taj Mahal located?
Delhi
Delhi
Mumbai
Mumbai
Jaipur
Jaipur
Agra
Agra
Which Mughal emperor commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal?
Humayun
Humayun
Shah Jahan
Shah Jahan
Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb
Akbar the Great
Akbar the Great
The Taj Mahal was constructed as a mausoleum for which relative of the Mughal emperor?
His sister
His sister
His daughter
His daughter
His mother
His mother
His wife
His wife
What is the primary material used for the exterior of the main mausoleum?
Granite
Granite
Limestone
Limestone
Sandstone
Sandstone
Marble
Marble
What architectural motif is often found crowning the dome of the Taj Mahal?
A star
A star
A rose
A rose
A weeping willow
A weeping willow
A lotus flower
A lotus flower
The design of the Taj Mahal is primarily an example of which architectural style?
Greek
Greek
Romanesque
Romanesque
Mughal
Mughal
Gothic
Gothic
In which year was the Taj Mahal officially declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World?
2007
2007
2006
2006
2005
2005
2008
2008
The Taj Mahal is situated on the banks of which river?
Indus River
Indus River
Brahmaputra River
Brahmaputra River
Ganges River
Ganges River
Yamuna River
Yamuna River
What is the term for the intricate inlay work using semiprecious stones found on the walls of the Taj Mahal?
Fresco secco
Fresco secco
Mosaic collage
Mosaic collage
Stained glass
Stained glass
Pietra dura
Pietra dura
Approximately how many years did it take to complete the entire Taj Mahal complex?
12 years
12 years
27 years
27 years
17 years
17 years
22 years
22 years
A notable feature of the Taj Mahal is how its appearance shifts throughout the day; which describes this phenomenon?
It is illuminated by moonlight 24/7
It is illuminated by moonlight 24/7
It changes color based on the sunlight
It changes color based on the sunlight
It disappears entirely
It disappears entirely
It reflects in the water at midnight
It reflects in the water at midnight
The entire Taj Mahal complex is meticulously organized around which principle of structural design?
Asymmetry
Asymmetry
Minimalism
Minimalism
Symmetry
Symmetry
Brutalism
Brutalism
How many minarets surround the central mausoleum platform of the Taj Mahal?
Two
Two
Four
Four
Eight
Eight
Six
Six
What is unique about the orientation of the four minarets?
Perfectly perpendicular to the ground
Perfectly perpendicular to the ground
Leaning slightly outward
Leaning slightly outward
Tilted toward the dome
Tilted toward the dome
Sunken into the foundation
Sunken into the foundation
What material was primarily used for the construction of the flanking buildings, such as the mosque and the guest house?
Green Quartz
Green Quartz
White Marble
White Marble
Black Slate
Black Slate
Red Sandstone
Red Sandstone
Which decorative art form is used to adorn the arches of the Taj Mahal, typically featuring passages from the Quran?
Calligraphy
Calligraphy
Portrait paintings
Portrait paintings
Map etchings
Map etchings
Musical notation
Musical notation
Which vibrant blue-colored gemstone is frequently found in the pietra dura work at the Taj Mahal?
Lapis lazuli
Lapis lazuli
Jade
Jade
Emerald
Emerald
Ruby
Ruby
From which nearby location was the aging emperor said to have viewed the Taj Mahal during his final years?
Agra Fort
Agra Fort
Lahore Fort
Lahore Fort
Red Fort
Red Fort
Amber Fort
Amber Fort
In 1983, the Taj Mahal was designated as what kind of global landmark?
Active Religious Site Only
Active Religious Site Only
Private Royal Property
Private Royal Property
Protected National Monument
Protected National Monument
UNESCO World Heritage Site
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Where are the cenotaphs of Shah Jahan and his wife located within the complex?
Raised platform of the main tomb
Raised platform of the main tomb
Below the reflection pool
Below the reflection pool
In the center of the gardens
In the center of the gardens
Within the mosque structure
Within the mosque structure
Who is generally credited as the chief architect of the Taj Mahal?
Babur Ali
Babur Ali
Ustad Ahmad Lahori
Ustad Ahmad Lahori
Mimar Sinan
Mimar Sinan
Akbar Khan
Akbar Khan
Which animals were famously used in a fleet of over 1,000 to transport construction materials to the Taj Mahal?
Donkeys
Donkeys
Horses
Horses
Elephants
Elephants
Camels
Camels
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