The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed the majestic Taj Mahal in order to bury the remains of her late wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Mahal is spread over a wide range of 42 acres which is close to 20 big football grounds. It is a blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural principles. Holding a place in the seven wonders of the world, the Taj remains a symbol of true love, which is captivating tourists from all across the world for its splendid beauty. Let’s find out some unknown facts about this monument today.
21 Facts about the Taj Mahal
1. Survived several wars
Being a stunning landmark, Taj was always on the radar of almost all the enemy nations. During the war between India and Pakistan in the 20th century and even the world was ll, the Indian and British governments hid the monument by erecting bamboo scaffolding and covering the Taj Mahal. This is how smartly they misled the enemies from Japan, Pakistan, and Germany.
2. No light at night
At night there are no lights illuminating the Taj Mahal as lights attract insects and they excreta of insects would destroy the beauty of the shining marble. But the icon can be seen clearly at night during the full moon nights.
3. Leaning minarets
The four minarets are made slightly leaning outwards, which creates an illusion of the Taj being extremely huge from a distance. Not only this, it is made outwards so that if there are earthquakes the minarets fall in the outer side and don’t destroy the dome of Taj.
4. The Cheif architect was Persian
Ustad Ahmad Lahori was the chief architect who was a Persian and not an Indian. He worked on the Taj Mahal during the golden age of Mughat architecture as well as laid the foundation of the Red Fort at Delhi.
5. Sinking into yamuna
The foundation of the Taj is supported by wood which retains its strength when kept wet. But due to the climatic changes, the Yamuna is slowly drying which in terms is becoming a threat for Taj.
6. Grave breaks the symmetry
The entire monument is perfectly symmetrical right from its minarets, rooms, gardens and even walls. But the only thing that doesn’t follow this geometrical proportion is the grave.
7. Its construction cost today is 1 billion USD
The cost from each week was about 1 million for the 20-year long period. It could be said that Shah Jahan spent almost all of his Mughal funds just to make this building for her beloved wife.
8. 28 different jewels were used
Inside the place, you would find beautiful poppies, tulips, lilies, and irises inlaid into the wall. These were made using 28 kinds of precious stones like orange carnelian, multi-colored agates, bloodstone, blue lapis lazuli, and many more.
9. Special mud pack
Due to the ever-increasing pollution in the northern part of India where the Taj is located. The monument is turning yellowish. So in order to retain the white natural color of it the archaeologist applied a traditional mud recipe to it.
10. 1,000 elephants used for construction
The white marble and red sandstone used in the making of the Taj were transported from all over India and the Middle East using 1,000 elephants.
11. 20 years of hard work and 20,000 workers
In order to make this wonder a total of 20,000 workers and a period of 20 years were needed. But the rumors that Shah Jahan cut off the hands of all the artisans remain to be a myth as there is no evidence to prove so.
12. Black Taj Mahal fro Shah Jahan
The emperor wished to build a Kaala Taj or second Taj for himself opposite to the Taj Mahal. He wanted the two structures to be connected using a bridge. Historians still disagree with this claim but the people of Agra agree for it to be true.
13. Taj was made for the favorite wife
Shah Jahan constructed the Taj for his third wife. As he was deeply moved by her grief. While in the same complex, Shah Jahan’s other wives and servants are buried too, in order to show respect to them.
14. The Taj Mahal towers over Delhi’s Qutub Minar
Would you trust us if we said the Taj Mahal towered over the Qutub Minar? The Taj is 73 meters tall, whereas the Qutub Minar is 72.5 meters tall.
15. There are more than ten Taj Mahal replicas across the world
You read that correctly! There are over ten Taj duplicates on the globe, but none are as magnificent as the original.
16. The Taj Mahal’s current value
The building of this white mausoleum is said to have cost roughly INR 32 million (in 1653). The Taj would cost over INR 70 billion (almost $1 billion) to construct today.
17. Tajmahal’s actual location was
Did you know that the Taj Mahal was not actually planned to be built in Agra? You did read that correctly. Before Mumtaz passed away during delivery, the Taj Mahal was supposed to be constructed at Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh. Unfortunately, Burhanpur was unable to provide enough white marble, and it was ultimately decided to create the Taj Mahal in Agra, which is today a well-liked domestic tourist destination in Agra.
18. Mumtaz Mahal passed away while giving birth to her 14th child
The Taj Mahal was erected in honor of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Shah Jahan who inspired its design. Mumtaz Mahal passed away while giving birth to her fourteenth child.
19. Building supplies were imported from many nations
The “symbol of love’s” construction materials were all imported from Punjab, Rajasthan. China, Tibet, and Sri Lanka are only a few examples.
20. Don’t plan excursions on Friday
The Taj Mahal features a functioning mosque on its grounds; hence it is closed on Fridays for prayers. So avoid scheduling a trip to the Taj Mahal on a Friday.
21. Mumataz’s burial
Shah Jahan’s favorite household helpers and other wives are interred in mausoleums (outside the Taj Mahal but in the same complex). Islamic tradition prohibits tombs from being ornamented. Perhaps for this reason, Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz were interred in a simple crypt that was located underneath the Taj Mahal’s inner chamber.