Read the following passage and mark the letter A,B,C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 29 to 33. The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is more than just a stunning piece of architecture; it's a symbol of love and a masterpiece that captures the hearts of millions. This white marble wonder, often listed among the New Seven Wonders of the World, draws in a crowd of four to six million people every year. Interestingly, the majority of these visitors are from India ...

Read the following passage and mark the letter A,B,C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 29 to 33.

The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, India, is more than just a stunning piece of architecture; it's a symbol of love and a masterpiece that captures the hearts of millions. This white marble wonder, often listed among the New Seven Wonders of the World, draws in a crowd of four to six million people every year. Interestingly, the majority of these visitors are from India itself, with less than half a million coming from overseas. This highlights the strong domestic interest in the Taj Mahal, reflecting the pride of the Indian people in their rich cultural heritage.

Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is of great historical and architectural significance. However, the large number of visitors raises concerns about its preservation. The growing middle class in India, with more time and resources for travel, is especially keen on visiting this iconic monument, which sometimes puts pressure on the site's maintenance.

The story behind the Taj Mahal is as beautiful as the monument itself. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. Construction began in 1632, a year after her death, and took over a decade to complete. This grand gesture of love involved around 20,000 artisans and cost what would today be about 53 billion rupees (approximately $827 million USD).

The Taj Mahal's design features intricate carvings, precious gem inlays, and detailed patterns, all of which were crafted with incredible skill and precision. The main architect behind this was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. The Taj Mahal not only stands as a monument to Shah Jahan's love for Mumtaz but also as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the time. It continues to be a source of inspiration and awe for visitors from around the world.