The Black Taj: An incomplete memory of the Mughal Empire

The Black Taj Mahal (Persian/Urdu: لحم جات ہایس “Black Taj”, also “the 2nd Taj”) was supposed to be a legendary black marble mausoleum that was planned to be built across the Yamuna River directly opposite the Taj Mahal. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan is widely believed to have desired a mausoleum for himself similar to the one he had built in memory of his deceased wife, Mumtaz Mahal. There has always been a debate in the archaeological and historian circles regarding the authenticity of the plan for the Black Taj. 

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What if it was supposed to exist and NOW, we vest this opportunity upon YOU, how would you build the Black Taj?

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What we are really are looking at is an idea, that can exhibit the Mughal contribution in the sub-continent right next to ‘the place which frames its summit’. A Memorial, A Relic, An Interpretation, any idea is not too vague if you are able to complete this narrative - or here ‘the missing link’. More details in the brief link below.

Competition Page

1.Site:

The stage here is framed by the skies of Agra, the 7th Wonder of the World and the global creative community eagerly waiting for your next massive design opportunity. The site designated is an equivalent patch of land allocated at the Mehtab Bagh, opposite to the Taj Mahal on the banks of the River Yamuna River.

2.Eligibility:

The competition is open to all students and professionals (Worldwide).

The competition/events/exhibitions/project/publication/presentation are open to anyone (Student & Professionals) who is at least 18-year-old till the last date of registration. Anyone who is less than 18 years old may still participate in the competition but must be a part of a team whose leader/at least one member is 18 year or older. 

3.Team:

A maximum of 4 people can participate as a team.  Participation as an individual is also permitted. 

4.Submission:

Submission are expected in maximum of two DIN – A1 presentation boards in digital format (Jpeg – PDF). Hand rendered as well as use of digital mediums are allowed. In addition to that, a small questionnaire which includes answering your narrative of framing the design shall be submitted. If abstractions are a part in contributing to the design they are expected to be laid clearly in the process, with the help of visual or verbal medium. 

5.Award:

1st Prize: Reward of 2500$, trophy + certificate and bragging rights of UNFUSE CHAMPION at UNconference 2018. Winner gets a sponsored trip to UNconference workshop 2018 + Publication in Unfuse 2018: Design book.

1st Runner up: Reward of 1000$ and medal of honour with certificate + Publication in Unfuse 2018: Design book.

2nd Runner up x 2: Reward of  500$ each and medal of honour with certificate + Publication in Unfuse  2018: Design book.

10 Honourable Mentions: Each honourable mention gets a Medal + certificate and our bi-annual digest of UNFUSE.

Learn more at: unfuse.xyz

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