Greetings!
So today was a combination of Taj Mahal, Sheroes, and the Fort. The Taj Mahal was just as exciting and overwhelming as you think it must be. We got there early to avoid the crowds, and had an excellent briefing from Girish. What a story! Forty-two acres of garden and Mausoleum, built on the western side of the Yamuna River (they all are in deference to the direction of worship), with the Minarets tipped out two degrees so they'll not fall on the main structure in an earthquake. Wow! That - in the mid-1600s.
What becomes clear to those traveling throughout central Asia is that the period from 1100 ad to 1737 AD was dominated by groups foreigners refer to as Mongols, Mogols, Moghals, and Mughals. The Chinese, Persian, and Ottoman empires coined those terms - all referring to a succession of neighboring leaders from Genghis Kahn to Amir Khan who unified and pacified locals during a 500-year period over the largest conquered land mass in the world.
Shah Jahan, presided over this empire during a 30-year period from 1628 to 1658, and is best known for this structure. A memorial to his fourth of seven wives, who died giving him 14 children and ever-present advice, it also serves as their tomb and pilgrimage site. An architectural marvel, it pioneered techniques which were utilized for 200 years. And i it stunning!
Next, we had tea and snacks at the
Sheroes' Cafe, a support enterprise and headquarters for the
Chhanv Foundation, run by survivors of acid attacks in India. The nonprofit center has been providing support services, legal justice, and education in order to bring the issue to public discussion. We heard personal testimony from staff, and were inspired by their courage.
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