The Taj Mahal  from Persian and Arabic, "crown of palaces", pronounced also "the Taj" is a white marble mausoleum located inAgra, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Taj Mahal's mausoleum complex of white domed marble is actually an integrated complex of many structures. Construction began sometime around 1632 and was completed in 1653, while employing around 20,000 artisans throughout the empire. The construction was entrusted to a board of architects with Ustad Ahmad Lahauri believed to have assumed the role of chief architect.