Taj Mahal Entrance and Forecourt Area

 As with most Mughul tombs, the entrance to the Taj Mahal is gained through a large forecourt area. The courtyard or jilokhana is lined by buildings made of red sandstone, just like the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. As grand an entrance as this is, it was never used by Shah Jahan and the royal party, as they always arrived from the Agra Fort by boat. The photo to the left shows the narrow walkway into the forecourt area. The red building that surround the central garden contain 128 shops, as well as two elevated royal tombs; it is widely believed that it is here Shah Jahan met Mumtaz, at her jewel stall. In addition to the shops, there are quarters for visitors in the forecourt. The forecourt also was the place from which the Mughul emperors distributed alms for the poor. On the "Anniversary Day" vast sums were distributed in charity from the funds with which the Taj was endowed. At the heart of the courtyard lies the Darwaza, the free-standing entry gate to the Taj Mahal.