1. Land Acquisition:
The first step involved acquiring the land where the Taj Mahal would be built. This was made possible by Emperor Shah Jahan, who acquired a large area of land from Raja Jai Singh of Amer in exchange for the royal palace in Agra.
2. Leveling and Clearing:
The land was uneven and required leveling and clearing before the construction could begin. Workers were employed to remove trees, vegetation, rocks, and any existing structures from the site. This process helped create a stable and suitable foundation for the construction of the Taj Mahal.
3. Creation of a Raised Platform:
A raised platform was created to elevate the Taj Mahal and provide a solid foundation. The platform was made by filling the area with earth and compacting it to ensure stability. This elevation allowed the Taj Mahal to stand above the floodplains of the Yamuna River and protect it from potential flooding.
4. Construction of Water Channels:
To manage water flow and prevent the area from becoming waterlogged, water channels were built around the raised platform. These channels ensured proper drainage and prevented the Taj Mahal from sinking or sustaining water damage.
5. Creation of Gardens:
A significant aspect of the Taj Mahal complex is the beautiful garden that surrounds the mausoleum. The layout of the gardens was meticulously planned, and skilled gardeners were brought from various parts of the Mughal Empire to design and plant the gardens. The gardens were adorned with flowerbeds, fruit trees, cypress trees, and pools.
6. Construction of Temporary Structures:
In addition to the main building of the Taj Mahal, temporary structures were constructed to support the construction process. These included workshops, storage facilities, and quarters for the workers and artisans involved in the project.
By undertaking these preparatory steps and modifying the land, the builders of the Taj Mahal ensured a stable and aesthetically pleasing foundation for the construction of one of the world's most renowned architectural marvels.