Final answer:
The symmetrical design of the Taj Mahal symbolizes order, harmony, and the eternal nature of love, blending various architectural styles and showcasing the Mughal dynasty's Indo-Islamic culture. It incorporates luxury and sacredness through its use of white marble and Quranic calligraphy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symmetrical design of the Taj Mahal carries associations with order, harmony, and the eternal nature of love, as the monument is a dedication to Shah Jahan's favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Renowned for its architectural symmetry, the Taj Mahal features a central dome, flanked by four slender minarets, and is situated within a Persian-style garden, including a reflective pool that further enhances the symmetrical aesthetic. The design represents the amalgamation of various architectural styles including Indian, Islamic, Persian, and Ottoman, showcasing the hybridized Indo-Islamic culture of the Mughal dynasty.
The monument's use of white marble instead of the common red sandstone of the time, inlaid with semi-precious stones and adorned with calligraphy from the Quran, emphasizes its luxurious and sacred character. The complex also includes a moonlight garden, riverfront terrace with mausoleum, mosque, and symmetrical buildings to maintain the balance inherent in the overall design. The Persian influences are also evident in the vast Persian-style garden that surrounds the mausoleum, adding to the Taj Mahal's aesthetics and significance.