Interesting building in the Taj complex

Time to share something about the Taj that I came across today.

The pure white marble of the Taj shimmers brilliantly silver in the moonlight, glows subtly pink at dawn, and at dusky reflects the fiery rays of the setting 'Kathiravan'.

I am sure many of you wouldn't know this fact. Did you ever notice the two red sand stone buildings at the end of the complex flanking the Taj.Their backs parallel to the western and eastern walls. These two buildings are exact mirror image of each other. The building to the west is a mosque. The building to the east is called the 'Jawab' ( Response / Answer ). The one marked by the red rectangle in the layout image below. 

This is the ground layout of Taj Mahal

This building was built as a primary reason to create an architectural balance. This might have also been used as a guest house or a Mehmankhana.

The 'Jawab' added to the east of the Taj to add architectural balance.

The mosque has a 'mihrab' facing Mecca which lacks in the 'Jawab'. A 'mihrab' is a semi-circular niche in the wall of the mosque that indicates the direction of the 'Kabba' in Mecca. This is the direction that Muslims face when praying. Also, the 'Jawab' is not oriented towards Mecca. So it could never function as a Mosque. 

A 'Mihrab' in a mosque in Tunisia

Its built with red sandstone and white marble creating a nice contrast between the colours. Its got two small alcoves flanking the centre larger one. The tops of the domes are surmounted by finials.

Finial on top of the main dome.

The use of this building in ancient time is still dubious. Although its known that after the fall of the Mughal empire, honeymooning Britain's frolicked in the rooms although such disrespectful actions were soon halted.

Refer : Wikipedia --> Outlying Buildings.