The screens around the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan – in the central tomb chamber of the Taj Mahal – feature intricate stalks and leaves stemming from a central vertical axis. These are the only instances of arabesque jalis, in the entire complex. The stylized foliage emanates outwards in seemingly infinite swirls, but remains within strictly symmetrical formation.

The jali enclosure is octogonal in shape, alluding to Paradise. Each side consists of three marble frames, the details of which follow the principles of Shahjahani system. Each corner features a kalasha finial, a globular element with a pointed end, borrowed from indigenous architecture.

It is said that this marble screen was erected in 1643, as a replacement of the original gold-enamelled jali that was too precious. The stone version took a decade to craft and cost one-tenth of the older one.