Dimensional analysis has revealed that the modular planning of the Taj Mahal complex was executed using the traditional measurement units mentioned in the Arthasastra, and, in particular, the vitasti measuring 12 angulams of 1.763 cm. The riverfront terrace and garden sections of the complex were planned using square grids of 90 vitasti to the side, while the forecourt and caravanserai section using square grids of 60 vitasti to the side. The logical numbers that result for the dimensions have been analysed to show the ease of division of these numbers into symmetric elements to understand quadratic division of space of the garden area and the triadic division of space of the mausoleum, including decimal divisions. A novel approach to understand the metrology of historical architectural structures of the Indian subcontinent is revealed.

Figure 9. Proposed modular plan and predicted dimensions of the Taj Mahal mausoleum. The vitasti (V) equals 12 angulams and each angulam measures 1.763 cm. The symmetric dimensions of various architectural features of the structure must be noted.
Figure 9. Proposed modular plan and predicted dimensions of the Taj Mahal mausoleum. The vitasti (V) equals 12 angulams and each angulam measures 1.763 cm. The symmetric dimensions of various architectural features of the structure must be noted.