The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, for more reasons than just being breathtaking beautiful.

It's the history of the Taj Mahal that's so magnificent. A history so full of love and loss. The story behind the Taj Mahal is an example of how deeply a man loved his wife, that even after she was gone her memory lived forever in the form of a great monument.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was head-over-heels in love with Mumtaz Mahal, his second wife. When Mumtaz unexpectedly died in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child, Emperor Shan locked himself in his chamber for months. When he finally appeared for the first time, months after her death, he announced that he would build a monument in her memory. Apparently Mumtaz's dying wish was for Shan to 1. Love all his kids equally. 2. Never marry again. and 3. Build a memorial for him. Not too demanding at all, right?

It would be called the Taj Mahal (Taj meaning Crown and Mahal meaning Palace). - made out of white marble.

An epitome of love, over 22,000 laborers from Persia spent 22 years building it. The monument was built entirely out of white marble, which was brought in from all over India and central Asia.

Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz's tombs are centered directly below the main dome of the Taj Mahal today, laying side by side - his tomb is slightly higher than hers because he was king afterall.

One of the Seven Wonders of the World is a classic love story that shines on for generations to see. Breathtaking beautiful.