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Ecclesiastical: Indian

Another remarkable Indian shrine is the Taj, Agra, built by the Emperor Shah Jehan, as a mausoleum for the Empress Mumtazi Mahal, or Taj-Bibi, who died in giving birth to the Princess Jehanara. It was commenced in 1630, and completed in 1647. Twenty thousand workmen were employed during these seventeen years. Each province of the empire contributed precious stones for its adornment; the jasper came from Punjaub, the carnelian from Broach, the turquoise from Tibet, the agates from Yemen, lapis-lazuli from Ceylon, coral from Arabia, garnets from Bundelcund, diamonds from Punnah, rock-crystal from Mulwa, onyx from Persia, chalcedonies from Asia Minor, sapphires from Colombo. The total cost of this work was about two millions.