Topic : If you wre asked to send onething representing your country to an international exhibition , what would you send ? why?
Even the heart of an opponent can be conquered with love and affection. At a time when the world is engulfed in many wars and when people are looking at each other with hatred and scepticism rather than love and affection, it is more important now than never before to understand the essence and greatness of love. If there is one monument in this world which showcases these characteristics, then it is the TAJ MAHAL. Hence I would like to send a portrait of the Taj Mahal to the international exhibition as not only a symbol of love but also an epitome of Indian cultural heritage.
Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, a sacred river for all Hindus, Taj mahal was constructed by a Muslim emperor, Shahjahan, in the loving memory of his wife, Mumtaz Begum. It took more than 20 years for more than 10000 artisans to complete the construction of this monument. Even after four hundred years, it is still known for its aesthetic beauty, architectural extravagance and more than anything, it stands out as a symbol of ‘eternal love’.
Beauty of Taj Mahal is something to be experienced but cannot be explained .While watching it in day-light is a treat to our eyes, viewing it in the night under the moon light is equally scintillating and breathtaking. The cool breeze from the river and the awesome architecture engross us so much that we want the time to be halted and immerse ourselves in that beautiful moment forever.
Built completely with lime stone, it is an engineering marvel. Its central dome and carvings on walls exemplifies the artistic nature of those artisans and artist who were instrumental in its construction. While its architecture is mainly derived from Persia, it is constructed on the banks of the river Yamuna, which is a sacred river for many Hindus. It clearly showcases the fact that how people from different regions and religions have been living here in harmony with each other. In this way, Taj Mahal is a classic example of India’s ideological principle: Unity in Diversity.
Those extraordinary carvings and glorious exterior decorations coupled with marvellous finishing clearly tell us the tale of the great Indian civilization and illustrate India’s glorious past. By looking at this marvel, it is not an exaggeration to say that India was the cultural capitol of the world in that era.
As much as for its beauty, it is known for the message it conveys. It conveys a message that lovers are mortal but their love is immortal. One more message it illustrates is : Not only the plan but also its execution is equally important for achieving success. Had it not been because of relentless efforts of those thousands of artisans, we would not be seeing such marvellous monument. It epitomizes the fact that success lies in unity. When people from different regions and religions across the society were united, they were able to construct such a great monument. If people of one society can achieve it by being united, if the people across the world are united ,then sky will be the only limit for their achievments.
While The Taj Mahal stands out from other monuments because of its marvellous engineering design and its breathtaking architecture, the message it conveys to the entire world is no less important either. In fact, it is time for us to imbibe ourselves with its message and fill the world with love and affection rather than hatred. No wonder it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
TOEFL listening discussions: What upsets the young man’s mother?