The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Taj Mahal, commissioned by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, represents the zenith of Mughal architecture. While it incorporates the traditional Charbagh (four-quartered garden) layout, it introduces a significant variation in the placement of the main mausoleum compared to earlier Mughal tombs like Humayun's Tomb.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: Unlike Humayun’s Tomb, where the mausoleum is placed in the exact centre of the Charbagh, the Taj Mahal stands on a raised terrace at the far northern end of the garden, directly overlooking the river Yamuna. This layout is referred to as the "riverfront garden" design, where the garden is placed to the south of the main structure rather than surrounding it.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The principal building material used for the main mausoleum is white marble. This marble was quarried from the Makrana mines in Rajasthan and transported to Agra. Red sandstone was used primarily for the subsidiary structures and the platform base.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The interior organization of the mausoleum follows a hierarchical arrangement common in imperial Mughal tombs. It consists of a crypt (tahkhana) at the lower level, which houses the actual graves of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. Directly above this is the main vaulted, octagonal tomb chamber containing the cenotaphs, designed to be visited by the public. This layout aligns with the Hasht Behisht (Eight Paradises) floor plan.
Key Takeaway:
The Taj Mahal distinguishes itself from earlier Mughal garden tombs by shifting the mausoleum from the centre of the Charbagh to the riverfront, thereby utilizing the river as a backdrop and enhancing the monument's perspective.