Call it a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, a wonder of the world, a symbol for heritage or a monument of love- every bit, every stone, every corner of the Taj Mahal justifies all appreciation that is bestowed on it. An iconic construction of history, a single glance of the Taj Mahal reminds you of the eternal love saga of the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan and his queen Mumtaz Mahal. The crown of India, the Taj Mahal is the indispensable part of any tour to India. As a magnum opus of Mughal architecture, this wonder of the world is popular for some interesting facts ranging from its construction to its admirers. Some of them are just amusing and some of them are just mind blowing. So, let’s what Taj gives us to ponder about!
As commonly known worldwide, the mausoleum was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jehan as a token of love for his third wife Mumtaz Mahal. It was while giving birth to their fourteenth child when Mumtaz Mahal took her last breath. When she was breathing her last on her deathbed, Shah Jehan promised her to build a mausoleum in dedication to their everlasting love. Legends say that within months of her demise Shah Jehan’s hair and beard grew white. Such was his love, and such were the ways of God!
The depth of Shah Jehan’s passion didn’t end in just his promise. He made sure that every corner of this astounding edifice stands out in its uniqueness. For that, the raw materials were brought from far-fetched lands of Rajasthan, Afghanistan, Tibet and china. But, this was not enough! Historians believe that 28 different types of precious and semi-precious stones were embedded in the marble which included the magnificent lapis lazuli. The graph of the expenditure never saw a downfall!
It is said that the mausoleum acquires different colours at different times in a day. Right from rosy pinkish blue, to sparkling white during the day, from a glittery golden at night to being like a glowing marble star- Taj Mahal is astonishing in its every facet. For some reason, people say that these changing colours are like the changing moods of females- specifically the emperor’s queen.
A popular fact regarding the Taj Mahal is that Shah Jehan ordered his men to chop off the hands of all 20,000 men who were a part of its making, disabling them to create a replica of this masterpiece. The validity of which is still under question. A different myth claims that Shah Jehan wanted to build a black Taj Mahal near it but couldn’t do so as his son, Aurangzeb, caught him under house arrest. (Money talks in every age!)
Every word, and every character inscribed on the Taj praises none other than Mumtaz Mahal. Another interesting fact is that there are 99 names of Allah are inscribed on the sides of the tomb. After all, Mumtaz founded paradise after her death, according to Shah Jehan, and this iconic edifice reminded him of the same.
Despite the myths, despite the stories and despite many controversies- the Taj is a masterpiece and will always remain one. A wonder amongst many wonders, the Taj Mahal is nothing but the heartbeat of Indian heritage and tourism.