In India, all roads lead to Taj Mahal. The thing is that not all of them might be as interesting or beautiful.
Near the monument it is very polarizing, you can see poverty, however, this is not a picture of India which I would like you to remember. Agra, as many other places, is beautiful. Has regions where you can see expensive cars but also people begging for help. Whenever you will go there, keep your eyes open, because in between sad scenery, there is always some beauty.
Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum next to the river Yamuna in Agra, India. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned from 1628 to 1658) to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal complex is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653.
1. Black Taj Mahal
The story about Black Taj is my favourite!
There is a myth surrounding the monument of love. Taj Mahal, is one of the 7 contemporary architectural wonders, but is also claimed by a few to be incomplete without its mirror image “The Black Taj Mahal”.
Some people are saying that Shah Jahan planned to build another Taj Mahal, which should play a role of mirroring perfection with its own black vibes. The monument was planned to be built opposite the original mausoleum, which was exactly on another side of the river Yamuna. Plans were to connect two monuments by a bridge. Shah Jahan wanted to be buried in the replica.
Emperor’s plans were disrupted due to the war of succession between his sons. It's said that Aurangzab was angry at his father, that he wants to spend ridiculous amounts of money for unnecessary buildings while India and locals need his help with poverty. Eventually, Aurangzeb imprisoned his father. Shah Jahan was only able to view the Taj Mahal from his window for the last eight years of his life before being entombed there. That was an end to his plans for his separate tomb beside the tomb of his wife.
The locals of Agra, believe that the work had started in Mehtab Bagh (Moonlight Garden opposite Taj Mahal) but was stopped by Aurangzeb.
Magic of this place is amazing, and I can't even imagine how this place could look with the reflection of masterpiece white Taj Mahal.
(Picture of Black Taj from: http://www.indiathenation.com/ )
2. Why Taj Mahal
The reason was simple - LOVE. Sick with grief, Shah Jahan was inspired to build the Taj Mahal after his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died while giving birth to their 14th child. His wife was in labor for 30 hours before she died at age 40. Shah thought about an amazing mausoleum since his wife, was his best friend and lover. She was helping him to rule, and with the army strategies!
3. Punishment for building Taj Mahal?!
There is a myth that artists and architects involved with the construction of the Taj Mahal were later punished and their thumbs were cut off, so that they could never "repeat such a beautiful feat." Till today is no proof to support the long-standing myth. Instead, historians believe that they were required to sign contracts. I asked local guide about it, but he did't feel comfortable to talk. Once he said "its a myth" but later he mention " that might be truth". I think no one never will know what really happened there.
NEW VIDEO - The way to Taj Mahal | Jaipur & Agra - CHECK IT OUT!!!
4. British in the gardens
Sad fact is that when British ruled in India, the garden was landscaped to look more like the lawns in London, England. The original garden was adorned with lots of roses and daffodils. In the garden were also trees. The ground was way lower so Shan could pick the fruits straight from the tree's crown.
5. Incredible amount of money!
Construction of the Taj Mahal cost an estimated 32 million Indian rupees which in 2020 would be approximately 70 billion rupees, means over 810 000 Euro - (value of rupee 09.2020).
6. Precious!
In the walls of the Taj Mahal were and are 28 types of precious and semiprecious jewels. They are set in the marble. Unfortunately British soldiers pried precious stones from the walls of the Taj Mahal during the Sepoy Rebellion in 1857. The turquoise stone came from Tibet, and jade came from China. Heavy white marble — the principal building material — was transported from Rajasthan by many elephants. Quality of this marble is the highest possible.
7. Yellow Taj Mahal?!
The Taj Mahal's white marble even with it's superb quality is rapidly turning yellow because of terrible air pollution in Agra. Interesting fact is that only electric vehicles are allowed near the structure, and a 4,000-square-mile environmental radius was declared around the monument to help control emissions. Visitors must walk or take electric buses from the parking area to the Taj Mahal. While you are walking next to Taj Mahal you have to have shoes protection to do not make marble dirty.
8. Construction
Around 20,000 workers were recruited from all over Asia to contribute to the massive project. The remains of their enormous encampment, bazaar and living quarters are now a nearby neighborhood. Over 1,000 elephants were used to transport heavy materials and supplies for construction, many of them died.
9. Tradition
Islamic tradition forbids the decoration of graves. Due to that Shah Jahan and his wife are actually buried in a plain crypt beneath the main inner chamber of the Taj Mahal.
10. Towers
It is obvious that building as Taj Mahal had to be done with precision. The four minarets (towers) surrounding the Taj Mahal were constructed farther away from the main structure than usual. The minarets also lean slightly outward rather than stand straight. Why? Because in case of earthquake or any other situation at which towers could be destroyed, they would fall away from the tomb rather than crash into the central structure. This was done as a safety measure.
Visiting Advice
I was visiting Taj Mahal in July that was a nice time to be able to see this place without many turists. Except Fridays and holy month of Ramadan, the Taj Mahal is open two nights before, during, and after the full moon every month. On a clear night, the full moon provides a soft, unreal light for enjoying the Taj Mahal and it's shining form.
For videomakers: Drones are not permited around Taj Mahal
If you think what else you can do in India check my first video and other blog posts:
Thanks a lot,
Miles
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