Taj Mahal Calligraphy

The superb calligraphy, one of the best art works of Mughal architecture adorns the walls of the Taj Mahal. The surface of Taj has beautiful calligraphic works including the verses and quotations from Quran inscribed by inlaying jasper in the marble panels.

There are Qur’anic quotations, 14 surah or chapters comparatively more in number than in other Mughal mausoleum and mosque built during the reign of Shah Jahan. These make Taj a unique funeral monument. The meanings of surahs are Surah 91 (The Sun), Surah 112 (The Purity of Faith), Surah 89 (Daybreak), Surah 93 (Morning Light), Surah 95 (The Fig), Surah 94 (The Solace), Surah 36 (Ya Sin), Surah 81 (The Folding Up), Surah 82 (The Cleaving Asunder), Surah 84 (The Rending Asunder), Surah 98 (The Evidence), Surah 67 (Dominion), Surah 48 (Victory), Surah 77 (Those Sent Forth), and Surah 39 (The Crowds).

An optical trick is used by the calligrapher, Amanat Khan to inlay the Quranic verses on the Taj Mahal. The letters looks equal in size, but they are not equal in size. Gradually the letters are big as they move upward to the peak of any arch. The letters correspond to an accurate iconographic plan.

Only the name of Amanat Khan, the calligrapher was signed inside the calligraphic inscription on the left side of the Taj Mahal gateway. His signature was signed twice and each signature has a date which bears witness to his status. The dates are (1638 or 1639) that suggest the entire calligraphy of the mausoleum at Agra was finished during this time.