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The Taj Mahal: The Crown Jewel of India with Tiago Neiva

The Taj Mahal: The Crown Jewel of India with Tiago Neiva


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the vast Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and a universally admired UNESCO World Heritage site. This seminar will examine in-depth this architectural splendor as we explore the period of the Mughal dynasty, its traditions, and the incredible design and legacy of the Taj Mahal.
The Mughal Empire was known for its immense richness, sophisticated society, and amazing artistic and architectonic achievements. In its most prosperous of phases, between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, all available resources were used to build the most admirable and rich tomb ever made. We’ll learn how the Taj Mahal was built to honor the emperor’s beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died during the birth of their thirteen child.
We’ll discuss how it was built, where the materials came from, and the efforts that went into making such a formidable structure. We’ll explore how the Taj Mahal innovatively incorporated and expanded the previous tomb designs of Persian, Timurid, and earlier Mughal traditions. This unparalleled building also depicted the opulence of the Mughals, and in a more personal and human dimension, the testimony of a tragic love story.
Led by an expert on Architecture and Art History, Tiago Miranda Neiva, this interactive seminar will explore the history and architecture of one of the most well preserved (and recognizable) monuments in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a better knowledge of the aesthetics and design of the Taj Mahal, and also the dynasty and intermediaries responsible for its construction.

Tiago Miranda Neiva was born and raised in Lisbon. He studied architecture in Rome and worked later in distinct offices in Portugal and Spain. For several years he was Professor of Arts and Art History, having a Master's degree in Teaching of Visual Arts. He is currently working towards a PhD focused on the Art and Architecture of al-Andalus: the confluence between the Arab, Jewish and Christian medieval world. In recent years he has been working as a tour guide in his hometown, seeking to show and reveal its most intimate secrets through an authentic and passionate local vision.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 32 reviews
97%
(31)
0%
(0)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.K. (San Antonio, US)
Wonderful experience and illuminating

My mother always told me the most beautiful place she ever saw around the world was the Taj Mahal. Now I know why

C
C.P. (Falls Church, US)
An interesting overview

This was a great, logical overview of the Taj Mahal, starting with some history and then moving to the actual building. I appreciated learning the definitions of the architectural features and the highlighted illustrations.

A
A. (Wynnewood, US)

Guest did not leave comment

K
K.E. (Renningen, DE)
Interpreting Majesty of the Taj Mahal

Tiago Neiva masterfully interpreted the architectural intricacies of the Taj Mahal, as well as its origin as a culmination of love. The impressive symmetry of Shah Jahan's tribute to his favorite wife, Mumtaz Muhal, is a splendid representation of the Mughal architecture of his time.

D
D. (Indianapolis, US)
Informative and Engaging Seminar on the Taj Mahal

I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar on the Taj Mahal! The instructor Tiago was engaging, informative and enthusiastic. The presentation was well structured and the images were terrific. I learned so much! I will be signing up for another of Tiago's courses.

Customer Reviews

Based on 32 reviews
97%
(31)
0%
(0)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.K. (San Antonio, US)
Wonderful experience and illuminating

My mother always told me the most beautiful place she ever saw around the world was the Taj Mahal. Now I know why

C
C.P. (Falls Church, US)
An interesting overview

This was a great, logical overview of the Taj Mahal, starting with some history and then moving to the actual building. I appreciated learning the definitions of the architectural features and the highlighted illustrations.

A
A. (Wynnewood, US)

Guest did not leave comment

K
K.E. (Renningen, DE)
Interpreting Majesty of the Taj Mahal

Tiago Neiva masterfully interpreted the architectural intricacies of the Taj Mahal, as well as its origin as a culmination of love. The impressive symmetry of Shah Jahan's tribute to his favorite wife, Mumtaz Muhal, is a splendid representation of the Mughal architecture of his time.

D
D. (Indianapolis, US)
Informative and Engaging Seminar on the Taj Mahal

I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar on the Taj Mahal! The instructor Tiago was engaging, informative and enthusiastic. The presentation was well structured and the images were terrific. I learned so much! I will be signing up for another of Tiago's courses.