Ustad Isa
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Ustad Isa (Persian: استاد عيسى translation Master Isa (Jesus in Arabic)) is a fictitious architect, often described as the chief architect of the Taj Mahal. Typically he is described as either a Turkish or Persian architect.
The lack of complete and reliable information as to whom the credit for the design belongs, led to innumerable speculations. Scholars suggest the story of Ustad Isa was born of the eagerness of the British in the 19th century to believe that such a beautiful building should be credited to a European architect. Local informants were reported to have sated the British curiousity regarding the origins of the Taj by also supplying them with fictitious lists of workmen and materials from all over Asia.[1][2]
Recent research suggests Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was the most likely candidates as the chief architect of the Taj. The assertion is based on a claim made in writings by Lahauri's son Lutfullah Muhandis.[3][4][5]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Koch, p.89
- ^ Building Details of Taj Mahal
- ^ UNESCO advisory body evaluation
- ^ Asher, p.212
- ^ Begley and Desai, p.65
[edit] References
- Asher, Catherine Ella Blanshard [2003]. The New Cambridge History of India, Vol I:4 - Architecture of Mughal India (Hardback), First published 1992, reprinted 2001,2003 (in English), Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 368. ISBN 0-521-26728-5.
- Begley, Wayne E.; Desai, Z.A. [1989]. Taj Mahal - The Illumined Tomb (Hardback) (in English), University of Washington Press, 392. ISBN 978-0295969442.
- Koch, Ebba [Aug 2006]. The Complete Taj Mahal: And the Riverfront Gardens of Agra (Hardback), First (in English), Thames & Hudson Ltd, 288 pages. ISBN 0500342091.
