The Decorative Guldastas (Pinnacles)

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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.