The Decorative Guldastas (Pinnacles)
Explore the Taj Mahal - Virtual Tour

Holidays to America Holidays to America offer hugely varied options. Partly due to large geographical size but also the rich melting pot of cultures!

Flights India Book great value flights to India online at dealchecker.co.uk. At dealchecker.co.uk it is quick and easy to compare prices from charter airlines and all major scheduled flights.

Holidays in Goa Visit DealChecker.co.uk and book an unforgettable holiday to Goa, a beautiful and exotic state of India.

Holiday Finance Great Holiday Finance Loans. Come and get your holiday loan that you need from the premier search.

© 2005 Armchair Travel Co. Ltd. - This page is for non-commercial use ONLY!
New! Online Discussion Forums - Gardens, Travel, Parliament and more

   
Save as Microsoft      Print                  
Word document                           



The slim flower topped pinnacles or guldastas, which extend from shafts on the exterior of the Taj Mahal compound, are a pre-Mughal composite borrowed from the Lodi and Sayed periods dating back to 1414.




Their primary use is decorative. They are seen flanking the broad curvature of the domes to accentuate the roundness and add a sense of height to the buildings of the Taj complex, leading the eye heavenwards. The shafts rise from ground level, decorated with black chevrons that enhance their angled surfaces.




The guldastas that top the shafts are in turn decorated with lotus buds, which create elegant peaks.