* Construction Span: The Taj Mahal was built over a period of 22 years (1632-1653). The workforce would have fluctuated over that time.
* Variety of Labor: It required a huge variety of workers, from architects and designers to masons, stone cutters, calligraphers, inlayers, and laborers.
* Record Keeping: While some records exist, they aren't complete enough to provide a precise figure for the total number of people involved.
However, we can make some educated guesses:
* Estimates: Estimates vary, but some historians believe the total number of workers involved could have been in the tens of thousands.
* Size of the Project: The sheer scale of the Taj Mahal – its intricate details, massive size, and the importing of materials from far away – points to a large and diverse workforce.
It's important to remember that the Taj Mahal was a monumental project of incredible scale and craftsmanship, reflecting the collective effort of many people over many years.