The Myth of the Taj Mahal and a New Theory of Its Symbolic Meaning

The article discusses research related to the Taj Mahal’s symbolism and inscriptional program. The research was conducted primarily during 1975-76 as part of a broader study of Mughal architecture during Shah Jahan’s reign. The author presented their interpretation in a paper titled “The Taj Mahal as a Symbolic Replica of the Throne of God” at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the College Art Association of America in January 1975. The article acknowledges the contributions of various institutions and specialists in Islamic art who facilitated the research. Unfortunately, due to unavailable type, certain diacritical signs for Arabic and Persian letters were omitted, and the photographs are credited to the author