Architecture of Tajmahal -
Information on the rest house complex.
On the east side of the Taj stands
the twin of the Mosque, a parallel structure also made of red sandstone,
referred to as the jawab, or "answer". Because it faced away
from the Mecca, it was never used for prayer. Its presence there has
always been something of an enigma. Was it a caravanserai for pilgrims,
or a meeting hall before the faithful gathered before prayer? More
plausible is the theory that its purpose was purely architectural, to
counterbalance the Mosque and preserve the symmetry of the entire design
on the platform.
The jawab is similar to the Mosque. However, it does not contain the
accessories which go with a mosque, and, instead of Koranic
inscriptions, there are beautiful flower designs and other decoration
effectively done in white marble on the red sandstone background. On the
floor between the building and the mausoleum there is a full size
reproduction of the pinnacle adorning the Taj. This gives some idea of
the true proportions (31 ft.) of what from below appears to be a tiny
thing.
