Charles Welch Jr., age 14, of Baltimore, Md., for his question:

WHEN WAS THE TAJ MAHAL BUILT?

One of the most beautiful buildings is the world is the Taj Mahal, found in Agra, India. Starting in 1632 more than 20,000 men worked on the building and grounds for 22 years. It van completed in 1654.

The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan, the Mogul emperor, as a monument and tomb for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is the most expensive tomb in history and it is a perfect example of Islamic architecture.

When Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631    her husband found the finest artists inIndia, Turkey, Persia and Arabia. They ware all hired to design the beautiful structure.      In charge of construction    was a man named Ustad  Ina, who was either Turkish or Persian.

In front of the Taj Mahal is a courtyard. Gardens and marble walks add beauty. From a marble platform 312 feat square, with towers at the four corners, the building rises 243 feet above the garden level.