US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India’s precious heritage, the Taj Mahal, with his wife and posed for a photo in front of it. Now Iran has made a sarcastic comment about his smiling picture with his wife. Yes, Iran said that if Rubio knew the history or architecture of the Taj Mahal, he wouldn’t have posed for this photo.

The Iranian consulate in Hyderabad shared the photo of the Rubio couple on social media and wrote, ‘This monument was built out of love for an emperor’s Iranian wife, crafted by the genius of Iranian architects. Today, his government (the US) threatens to wipe out that same Iranian civilization and insults other civilizations.’ When Iran’s tweet appeared on social media, many knowledgeable people started mentioning the name of Iranian-origin architect Ustad Ahmad Lahouri. A debate erupted.

The Iran connection of Mumtaz Mahal

In fact, the Taj Mahal has a deep connection with Iran (ancient name Persia). The beautiful building that Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built in memory of his queen (Mumtaz Mahal) was from an Iranian family. Her real name was Arjumand Banu Begum. Mumtaz’s family had migrated from Iran and settled in India.

If Rubio knew the history or architecture, he wouldn’t have posed for a picture here. This monument was built out for the love of emperor’s Iranian wife, crafted by the genius of Iranian architects — meanwhile his government today threatens to wipe out Iranian civilization,…

Not only that, the Taj Mahal is a blend of Indian and Persian architecture. The design of its massive dome and minarets matches ancient Persian buildings. Shah Jahan took the help of Iran’s expert Isa Shirazi as the architect and designer of the Taj Mahal. The Quranic verses inscribed on the walls of the Taj are the work of Persian scholar Amanat Khan Shirazi. He did the calligraphy. Now, after Iran’s sarcastic remark, people are remembering the history of the Taj Mahal again.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a stunning white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India, built between 1632 and 1653 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It combines elements of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles and is widely recognized as a symbol of eternal love. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous cultural landmarks in the world.

Taj Mahal (monument)

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India, built between 1632 and 1653 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Today, it stands as a symbol of love and one of the most famous monuments in the world.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a stunning white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India, built between 1632 and 1653 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic symbols of love in the world.

Persian architecture

Persian architecture is a rich tradition spanning thousands of years, from the grand ceremonial complexes of Persepolis under the Achaemenid Empire to the exquisite Islamic-era mosques and palaces of Isfahan. Its defining features include monumental scale, intricate geometric tilework, soaring arches, and the integration of lush gardens and reflective pools. This architectural style profoundly influenced building practices across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.

Indian architecture

Indian architecture encompasses a vast and diverse range of styles spanning over 4,000 years, from the ancient Indus Valley civilization to modern times. It is deeply influenced by religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam, which gave rise to iconic structures like temples, stupas, and mosques. Key periods include the Mauryan, Gupta, Mughal, and British colonial eras, each contributing unique elements such as intricate carvings, domes, and arches.

Mughal architecture

Mughal architecture is a distinctive Indo-Islamic architectural style that flourished in the Indian subcontinent under the Mughal Empire from the 16th to the 18th centuries. It is renowned for its grand structures, symmetrical designs, and intricate ornamentation, incorporating elements like domes, minarets, and lavish gardens. Key examples include the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan, and the Red Fort in Delhi, showcasing a blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian influences.

Agra

Agra is a city in northern India, best known as the home of the Taj Mahal, a stunning white marble mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It served as the capital of the Mughal Empire under several rulers, including Akbar, who constructed the nearby Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, Agra is a major tourist destination, drawing millions of visitors to its rich Mughal-era architecture and history.