Taj Mahal: A Semiotic Analysis

 

The picture is an iconic image of the Taj Mahal, which is situated in Agra. Historically, it is believed that it is made in the loving memory of Mumtaz Mahal, and hence it is considered to be a monument of love.

Iconically, the picture is a signifier of historic monument, the Taj Mahal.

Indexically, it signifies the city, the state and many times, India, the country. This is one of the reasons that in many Hollywood films, the Taj Mahal is normally projected as a metonymy of the country, India.

Symbolically, the picture and the monument signifies the love of a husband for his wife. Hence, it is also known as a 'symbol' of love.

The inclusion of a mosque in the background signifies the spiritual nature of love and not the physical one. The low camera angle signifies the majestic nature of the monument.

For modern day youth, it is a symbol of romance and love and hence many people gift their love interest the miniature version of the monument.

For many right wing ideologists, it also signifies the Moghul Empire, i.e. non-Hindu dominance on the state and there has been people who claimed that it was actually a temple of lord Shiva, and started referring it as Tejo Mahalaya.