My only exposure to the Taj Mahal prior to this course was through pictures and television and the occasional reproductive for entertainment purposes.  I had never known that it was actually a tomb.  I had never known that it was a tribute to his deceased wife.  I am inclined to feel that it may be a bit over the top.  I do understand the opulence was meant to represent what he saw in his wife, but....WOW!
Despite this, I most definitely agree that its continued preservation is of the utmost importance.  It is a key representation of the times and continues to hold influence today.  
I was under the impression that tombs of this size and nature were generally reserved for the king.  I could be wrong.  Is this the case?  I was also wondering...since he went to such extremes in the building of the Taj Mahal did he forfeit his own tomb?