Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632.
Shah Jahan commissioned the project after Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631. Early work involved preparing the Yamuna riverbank, stabilising the sandy ground and creating foundations strong enough to support the enormous mausoleum. The central tomb was substantially completed in 1648, while work on the surrounding buildings, garden and decorative elements continued for several more years.
The date 1632 can be confused with 1631 because the commission followed Mumtaz Mahal’s death in that year. Another useful distinction is between the start of the overall project and the completion of individual phases. The entire complex is commonly dated to about 1653, although construction and decoration unfolded in stages.
The undertaking required materials from across the region and beyond. White marble came from Makrana in Rajasthan, red sandstone from near Fatehpur Sikri, and semi-precious inlay stones from places including Punjab, Tibet and Afghanistan. Mughal builders used wells, rubble, lime mortar and elaborate lifting systems to construct the riverfront monument.