Jawab, Agra

Jawab is a red sandstone structure located within the Taj Mahal complex, positioned symmetrically opposite the mosque on the eastern side of the main mausoleum. Built during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century, it was designed to maintain architectural balance across the complex’s riverside platform.

The word “jawab” translates to “answer” in Persian, referring to the building’s role as a visual counterpart, or “answer,” to the mosque on the western side. While the mosque was used for prayer, the Jawab served no religious purpose, ensuring symmetry without disrupting the sanctity of the complex’s design.

Constructed from the same red sandstone as the mosque, with contrasting white marble inlay, the Jawab mirrors its twin structure almost exactly in size, form, and detailing. It features three elegant domes, arched entrances, and slender minarets along its façade.

However, unlike the mosque, it does not contain a mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of Mecca), confirming its secular function. The building’s orientation toward the east further distinguishes it from a functioning place of worship, as Islamic prayers are performed facing west.

Inside, visitors can see the same refined Mughal decorative techniques found throughout the Taj Mahal complex—carved panels, geometric motifs, and delicate inlay work that harmonize with the mausoleum’s overall aesthetic. The Jawab’s symmetrical positioning also enhances the visual balance of the entire site, reinforcing the Mughal appreciation for proportion and spatial order.