Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Wise and Foolish Builders (Matthew 7:24-27, Luke 6:47-49) (01/18/24)
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TITLE: White and Black | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
01/23/24 -
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The shout to his foreman broke down due to a coughing spell that doubled him over. He glanced toward the alcove where his wife’s coffin had been laying for years. Where was it? Someone must have moved it to a better shelter. No matter. He had work to do.
Mumtaz Mahal was the favorite of the emperor’s three wives. Together, she and the emperor built a family but she died giving birth to her 14th child. She pulled three promises from her husband. No more wives, care for the children, build a monument to remember her.
It had taken 22 years to perfect the Taj Mahal to where it would astound the world. The whole of the empire contributed the best masons, stone cutters, inlayers, carvers, painters, calligraphers, dome builders, and other artisans. All under the skilled guidance of architect Ustad-Ahmad Lahori at the chosen garden site in the Agra District in Uttar Pradesh.
Shah Jahan wiped his mouth and nose with a handkerchief. Crazy British habit. It must be the marble dust from all the chipping that was choking him up. Perhaps a walk might help. He doffed his leather sandals and escaped the work site.
The lush green landscape, red pathways, blue skies, and mirrored pool, showcased the changing hues and tints of the marbled domes, archways, minarets, and the precious gems embedded. Gems like lapis lazuli, amethyst, and jasper danced in flowery design amidst the calligraphy. The east-facing mosque and the west-facing guest house, built of red sandstone, perfectly matched each other. It was the ultimate symbol of love and power.
22,000 slaves helped to haul and shape the gleaming marble from up to 200 miles away in Rajasthan. Teams of 20 to 30 oxen hauled the marble. 1,000 elephants carried other heavy materials while caravans of camels and horses brought the jade from the Punjab, the crystal from China, the turquoise from Tibet, the Lapis Lazuli from Afghanistan, the sapphire from Sri Lanka, and the camelian from Arabia.
The magical marble glowed pinkish in the dawn, dazzling white at noon, orangey-bronze in the late afternoon, translucent blue at sunset, and golden under the moonlight. Reflecting pools, and beautiful gardens with over 1,000 different types of flowers, made this paradise.
The youngest surviving son of his favorite wife met him on the pathway at the farthest end of the pool. “Honored father,” he said. “The deed is done. I have removed the hands and the eyes of the craftsmen so that they may never duplicate this masterpiece.”
Shah Jahan frowned, scowling at the youth. “But you know I want them to duplicate this monument for myself on the other side of the river.”
The youth nodded, jutting his chin out toward six warriors nearby. “You have done well to remember my mother. She made you promise that you would marry no others but you have now taken 50 concubines and raised up many potential successors. I am solving the problems you are creating for your people.”
The Shah stepped back as the soldiers moved closer, swords drawn. “What have you done, Aurangzeb?”
“I have killed off your other sons and any contenders, and now I am imprisoning you in your own Agra fortress. While you were busy building a monument to your own ego, I have been building the loyalty of your people. You will be able to view the monument to my mother but never again will you set foot inside.”
The soldiers divided into two groups of three and stood on either side of the Shah. “But I have spent the Empire’s fortunes to secure this monument.”
“And now you shall see what I will do with your monument? Where have you placed the coffin for my mother?”
The Shah bent over in another coughing fit. Regaining control, he surveyed the scene around him. “How am I supposed to know? I was building her memorial.”
“You built to honor the one you loved but forgot to love those who could bring you honor.” Aurangzeb pointed toward the fortress. “So, you have built a monument for nothing and for no one.”
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