The Taj Mahal, one of the most renowned monuments in the world, serves as a symbol of love, architectural excellence, and cultural legacy. Located in Agra, India, this white marble mausoleum attracts millions of visitors every year. But beyond its beauty is a fascinating history packed with intriguing facts. Let’s unearth some lesser-known yet fascinating facts about the Taj Mahal.
1. The Taj Mahal Was Built as a Symbol of Love
The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away in 1631. It took almost 22 years (1632–1653) and 20,000 artisans to build this architectural marvel.
2. It Changes Color Throughout the Day
The Taj Mahal’s look fluctuates based on the time of day and weather:
Morning: A delicate pinkish color under the sunrise.
Afternoon: A beautiful white glow under the sunlight.
Evening: A golden shade during sunset.
Full Moon Night: A captivating bluish-silver radiance.
This remarkable phenomena is caused to the reflection of light on the white Makrana marble.
3. The Minarets Are Slightly Tilted
The four minarets flanking the Taj Mahal are slightly slanted outward. This was a brilliant architectural solution designed to protect the main structure in case of an earthquake. If they collapse, they would fall outward, preventing damage to the mausoleum.
4. It’s Not Just a Tomb
Although the Taj Mahal holds the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, it is more than just a mausoleum. The complex includes:
A mosque — Located on the western side.
A guesthouse – Built on the eastern side for visitors.
Lush gardens and fountains - Symbolizing heaven.
5. The Calligraphy on the Taj Mahal Has a Special Feature
The Arabic inscriptions on the Taj Mahal’s walls are verses from the Quran, written in perfect harmony. The letters progressively expand in size as they ascend higher, producing an illusion that makes them look uniform when viewed from the ground.
6. The Taj Mahal Was Once Covered with a Protective Scaffolding
During World War II and the Indo-Pakistani Wars, the Taj Mahal was camouflaged with bamboo scaffolding to prevent enemy aircraft from recognizing and bombing it.
7. The Taj Mahal Has Been Threatened by Pollution
Over the years, air pollution and acid rain have caused discoloration of the white marble. To conserve the monument:
Vehicles are banned near the Taj Mahal.
Industries near Agra are carefully regulated.
The government developed the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) to prevent pollution.
8. It’s One of the Seven Wonders of the World
The Taj Mahal was proclaimed one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, acknowledging its extraordinary beauty and historical significance. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Shah Jahan’s Black Taj Mahal — A Myth or Reality?
Legend has it that Shah Jahan planned to create a black marble Taj Mahal on the opposite bank of the Yamuna River as his own tomb. However, before he could begin, he was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb, in the Agra Fort, where he spent his last years staring at the Taj Mahal.
10. It Attracts Millions of Visitors Every Year
The Taj Mahal is one of the most visited sites in the world, receiving over 7 million tourists annually. The finest time to come is during the Taj Mahal sunrise tour, affording a stunning glimpse of the monument in golden light.
The Taj Mahal is more than simply a magnificent monument—it’s a testament to love, remarkable craftsmanship, and India’s rich history. Whether you adore it for its romantic tale, architectural excellence, or cultural relevance, this wonder of the world remains a remarkable experience for visitors worldwide.
