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examples of Mughal architecture, which combined Indian,
Persian and Islamic influences. At its center is the Taj Mahal
itself, built of shimmering white marble that seems to change
color depending on the daylight. Designated a UNESCO
World Heritage site in 1983, it remains one of the world’s most
celebrated structures and a stunning symbol of India’s rich

history.
Named the Taj Mahal in honor of Mumtaz Mahal, the
mausoleum was constructed of white marble inlaid with semi-
precious stones (including jade, crystal, lapis lazuli, amethyst
and turquoise) forming intricate designs in a technique known
as pietra dura. Its central dome reaches a height of 240 feet
(73 meters) and is surrounded by four smaller domes; four
slender towers, or minarets, stood at the corners. Inside the

mausoleum, an octagonal marble chamber adorned with
carvings and semi-precious stones housed the cenotaph, or
false tomb, of Mumtaz Mahal. The real sarcophagus
containing her actual remains lay below, at garden level.

A. Match the synonym of the adjectives below!

Adjectives Synonym
1. enormous a. dead body
2. mausoleum b. build
3. emperor c. gorgeous
4. remains d. huge
5. construct e. beloved
6. center f. sophisticated

7. stunning g. cemetery
8. honor h. sultan
9. precious i. middle
10. intricate j. impressive

B. Answer the following questions

1. What is Taj Mahal actually?
2. What impression do you get when you read the word
enormous?
3. Why did the king construct Taj Mahal?
4. What impression did you get after reading the first
sentence in second paragraph?