The Impact of the Taj Mahal: Analyzing Changed Perceptions

Subject:

Architecture

Art

Culture

History

Region:

South Asia


Analyze how 18th-century prints and paintings of the Taj Mahal began changing Western European opinion of India and its cultures. 
 
The following activities and abridged text build off “A Monumental Legacy,” written by Nilosree Biswas.

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Scan photos and captions to develop inquiry questions about the article.


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Answer questions about the Taj Mahal that explore the author’s intention.


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Examine the impact of seeing imagery of the Taj Mahal on Western Europeans in the 18th and 19th centuries.


Examine images and read captions from the article . Determine what you feel is most intriguing about them. Then compare two pieces of art by different artists, considering the subject portrayed by each artist and the general mood and effect each elicits.


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