Truth Behind The Taj Mahal
The grandeur and elegance of the Taj Mahal has earned the monument the tag of being one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This mausoleum based in Agra is known to the sublime shrine to eternal love.
This monument is said to have been built between 1632 and 1647 by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan as a dedication to his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died during child birth. But despite the iconic stature, much of the history behind this mausoleum is still shrouded in mystery.
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Holiday Travel unfolds a few rare facts about the Taj Mahal.
Hidden Truth of the Taj Mahal
Who Built It?
The most horrifying of all the unrevealed facts of the Taj Mahal is that the ever famed Shah Jahan has not built it. The imposing monument was built much before Shah Jahan reined Agra. The Taj Mahan was originally a temple established by the early Rajputs of Agra as a dedication to Lord Shiva. It was in a battle between the Rajputs and Shah Jahan that the latter conquered the Taj Mahal.
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The Secret Rooms
Just like any historic forts, the Taj Mahal houses many secret rooms and passages. These rooms in the mausoleum are kept closed since the time of Shah Jahan. It is believed that these rooms contain a headless statue of Lord Shiva and many other proofs to the tomb being a temple of the said God.
The Mysterious Water Outlet
The interiors of the mausoleum have a small stream of water flowing. However, the source of the stream is nowhere to be found. As per researchers, the stream arises from the source which poured water on the holy Shivlinga while this monument was a Hindu Temple. This is believed to be one of the most thrilling secrets behind the Taj Mahal.
The Famous Myth Is Probably False
According to legendary stories, Shah Jahan desperately wanted the monument to be an exquisite masterpiece without any alike. To ensure no one could recreate a replica of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan is believed to have gouged the eyes and severed the hands of the craftsmen and artisans. However, historians have found no evidence to support this gruesome tale.
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Trick Of The Eye Proportions
The craftsmen and architects of the grand monument were masters of proportions and tricks of the eye. When one sees the main gate that frames the Taj Mahal, the monument appears to be incredibly large and close. However, when you walk closer to it, it seems to shrink in size.
The Cenotaphs Are Empty
The cenotaphs honouring Shah Jahan and Mumtaz are placed inside the Taj Mahal, enclosed in an eight-sided chamber ornamented with marble lattice and pietra dura. However, these elaborately adorned monuments are empty and just for show. A quiet room created at lower garden level consists of the real sarcophagi.
The Changing Colour Of The Monument
One of the many charms of the Taj Mahal is its constantly changing hue. From dawn to dusk, the sun transforms the monument. At sunrise, the tomb seems to be pale pink and pearly grey, glittering white at high noon and an orange-bronze during sunsets. The moonlight later transforms the mausoleum into a translucent blue.
The Tilted Minarets
The four tall minarets constructed on the four corners of the tomb, may seem to be standing perfectly upright. However, the tall towers in reality are built to be leaning outward, away from the crypt. The reasoning being, the minarets would crumble away from the main tomb, in case of any disaster like an earthquake.
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Fascinating, wasn’t it? Our travel experts have gathered these unknown facts of the Taj Mahal in an attempt to make your visit to this mausoleum as interesting as it can be. Taj Mahal is only one of the many attractions that Agra has to offer its visitors. Therefore we at Holiday Travel are at your service to make sure you do not miss a thing. Our wholesome packages designed include comfortable stays and sightseeing tours at the most competitive rates.
