Bejeweled Replica Of The Taj Mahal – Worth $18.3 Million

Check out this solid-gold replica of the Taj Mahal, studded with precious stones. This model of India’s Taj Mahal will be made from 420 kilograms of precious metal (including pure gold), and is worth $18.3 million or about 11.5 million British pounds.

Miniature Taj Mahal made from gold and silver

The Taj Mahal is one of the few architectural wonders built by someone in memory of his wife. It was made by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed entirely of white marble, the Taj Mahal means the ‘crown of palaces’ and is situated along the banks of the Yamuna River, in the city of Agra, India.

Silver minaret of the replica Taj Mahal

This replica model of the Taj Mahal is designed by Syed Hanif, a Bhopal-based jeweller who is obsessed with the beauty of this majestic mausoleum. When fully complete, it will measure 3.5 feet in height, and feature 420 kilos of expensive metals and eight diamonds. Of the 420 kilos, 20 kilos will be of pure gold, while the remaining 400 kilos will be of pure silver.

Intricate designs on the Taj Mahal model

Presently, this costly reproduction of the gold Taj Mahal is being crafted by 35 skilled craftsmen, under the guidance of Syed Hanif, in Bhopal, India. These craftsmen will also be responsible for the intricate Arabic calligraphy on the doors and walls of the miniature Taj Mahal. In fact, Hanif has also hired an Islamic scholar, to check that the Quran passages adorning the original Taj Mahal, are accurately reproduced on his miniature model.

What do you think of this gold replica of India’s famous Taj Mahal?

From: Daily Mail