Ladakh is a land like no other. Bounded by two of
the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the
Karakoram, it lies athwart two other, the Ladakh range and the Zanskar
range. Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 feet (2750m)
at Kargil to 25,170 feet (7,672m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram.
On either side of the Taj Mahal are buildings of red sandstone. The one to the
west is a Mosque. It faces towards Mecca and is used for prayer.
Before we have a look at the mosque, let us take note of a small stone enclosure
along the western boundary wall where the well of the Mosque is located.
This greenery shaded structure, measuring 19 ft. by 6.5 ft. marks the site where
the remains of Mumtaz Mahal were deposited when first brought to Agra.
From this temporary grave they were removed to their present place of internment
in the mausoleum. On the outside the Mosque has pietra dura work twining across
its spandrels.
The platform in front of the Mosque is of red sandstone. A highly polished small
marble piece is so fitted that it serves as a mirror and one can see the mausoleum
reflected in it.
The floor is of material which is exceedingly fine and sparkling and appears
velvet red in shade. On that 539 prayer carpets have been neatly marked out
with black marble.
All over there is exquisite calligraphy and the name Allah and quotations from
scriptures inscribed. The ceiling is painted in a strange, hypnotic design.
The roof supports four octagonal towers and three elegant domes. On either side
of the Mosque, to the north and south, and set along and upon the enclosure
wall, there are two towers.
