Water garden
Through
the centre of the garden runs the two marble canals with fountains and lined
with cypress trees (symbolising death). This divides the garden into four equal
squares(Islam considers four to be a holy number), evoking the image of Islamic
paradise that has rivers of water, milk, wine and honey flow. The stone paved
pathways further subdivides each flower bed into 4, making total of 16 flower
beds.
The mausoleum, unlike most mughal mausoleums, stands majestically at the north
end just above the river and not at the central location. At the centre of the
garden, in the mid of the tomb and the gateway, is a raised marble lotus shaped
tank with a cusped and trefoiled border.The tank has been arranged to provide
a clear view of Taj in its water from any point in the garden. The view looks
amazing with the reflection of Taj amidst the green cyprus trees.
The Persian style garden
The lush green garden expands from the main gateway to the plinth, over which
stands the tomb. The garden in essense is based on symmetry and geometrical
measurements. The Persian style garden has a close link with paradise, since
Quran describes paradise as a beautiful garden.
Water devices and irrigation mechanism
Water in the canals was drawn from the river using purs, a system of drawing
water manually from river using bucket and ropes. For irrigation the water from
the overflowing canals was used. The north-south canals had its water inlet
through fountains and east-west canal had its water inlet through an interconnection
with north-south canal.