Did you know these 12 facts about the Taj Mahal?

Uncover hidden stories behind the world's most iconic monument.

Did you know these 12 facts about the Taj Mahal?
HERITAGE

By Ruchi Joshi

22 Mar, 2023

4 mins read

"A teardrop on the cheek of time" is how Rabindranath Tagore, describes the beauty and magnificence of the Taj Mahal. Whether visit it in person or relish it through photographs, we can bet you fell in love with this symbol of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Located in Agra, Taj Mahal attracts approximately 7 to 8 million visitors annually. Therefore, today we are going to reveal some unknown secrets and facts about the Taj Mahal - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

shows a view of the white marble mausoleum, the Taj Mahal, framed by a red sandstone archway.

Where Mughal splendour greets the world | Credits- redbus.in

12 facts about the Taj Mahal that you might not know:

1. A symbol of love

Taj Mahal stands strong, even after hundreds of years, as a symbol of the undying and eternal love of Shah Jahan I (fifth Mughal Emperor) for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. He was so grief-stricken by her death that he built this architectural marvel in remembrance. But did you know that Mumtaz Mahal did not die in Agra ? Yes, you read it right. She died during the birth of their fourteenth child (Gauhar Ara Begum) in Burhanpur (located in present-day Madhya Pradesh). She was previously buried in Burhanpur and later her remains were transferred to be buried at the Taj Mahal.

2. Symmetrical design 

The Taj Mahal's architecture is a masterpiece of bilateral symmetry, with every element meticulously placed to create a perfect mirror image on either side of a central axis. The intricate details, from the minarets to the gardens, are arranged with such precision that it's almost as if the monument were drawn with a ruler. But what's truly astonishing is the way this perfect symmetry evokes a sense of infinite expanse, making the Taj Mahal seem to stretch beyond its physical boundaries, a feat that continues to baffle architects and mathematicians alike.

This aerial view showcases the white marble dome and four minarets of the Taj Mahal mausoleum.

The Taj Mahal's perfect symmetry captured from the sky | Credits- cnet.com

3. A fusion of cultures

The Taj Mahal is a sublime amalgamation of architectural influences. While its core is undeniably Islamic, with its grand central dome, minarets, and arches, it seamlessly incorporates elements from Persian and Indian traditions. The intricate pietra dura inlay work, a hallmark of Mughal artistry, is a Persian influence, while the harmonious integration of the monument with its surrounding gardens reflects a distinctly Indian aesthetic. The Taj Mahal, therefore, stands as a magnificent synthesis of cultures, a testament to the Mughal empire's ability to blend diverse artistic traditions into a cohesive and breathtaking whole.

4. One of the wonders of the world

It was in 2007 that the Taj Mahal was included in the Seven Wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal is a part of the rich Indian history and it is important to preserve the opulence and grandiosity of this heritage . Due to the rising amount of air pollution, the concern regarding the yellowing of the white marble of the Taj is rising and to combat the issue at hand Archaeological Survey of India used Multani Mitti on certain portions in 1994. Furthermore, the results were surprising as this mud pack was an effective strategy to handle the discolouration of the historical monument.

A detailed flower adorns the white marble wall of the Taj Mahal.

A detailed flower adorns the white marble wall of the Taj Mahal | Credits- indiamike.com

5. No-fly and no-vehicle zone

Mud pack treatment is not the only measure to preserve the heritage of the Taj Mahal, right? The Archaeological Survey of India and the Government thinks the same and so no polluting vehicles are allowed within 500 meters radius of the Taj Mahal. Only battery-operated buses and golf carts are permitted around the complex. Did you know that it is forbidden to fly any aeroplane or aircraft over the Taj Mahal? Oh yes, it is a no-fly zone to avoid the effects of pollution and for security purposes.

6. 20,000 hands created a masterpiece

The Taj Mahal is a monument to human ingenuity and perseverance as much as it is to love. It was a colossal undertaking that required the tireless efforts of an estimated 20,000 skilled artisans and labourers. From the master architects who envisioned this breathtaking structure to the countless hands that carved, polished, and assembled its intricate components, the creation of the Taj Mahal was a monumental task. The sheer scale of the project, coupled with the precision required for its construction, is a testament to the extraordinary skills and dedication of the people who brought this architectural marvel to life.

7. Taj Mahal's minarets as a brilliant safety feature

The 4 minarets surrounding the Taj Mahal are so beautiful, aren’t they? But have you noticed that all of them are not perpendicular; instead they are slightly leaning on the outward side? If not, please check it out on your next visit. Do you know why? It is a smart architectural decision. Incidentally, to protect the main dome and building of the Taj Mahal in case of calamities like earthquakes, the pillars are constructed with an outward leaning so that even if they fall off, the main building remains safe.

close up shot of minarets of Taj Mahal

A closer look at the Taj's artistry | Credits- stock.adobe.com 

8. Over a 1000 elephants were employed for construction

Can you imagine the sheer scale of construction needed to create a masterpiece like the Taj Mahal? Over a 1000 elephants were employed to transport the enormous quantities of marble, sandstone, and other materials required for this architectural marvel. Their incredible strength was essential to the building process, making them invaluable contributors to this iconic monument of love.

9. Bamboo shields were used to protect Taj Mahal during wars

Have you ever wondered what happens to precious monuments like the Taj Mahal during wars? The enemies are certainly interested in targeting the most prized piece of a nation’s cultural heritage. Well, the Archeological Survey of India has worked specifically on a few such occasions to conceal Taj Mahal so that it can not be spotted and targeted. Once it was during World War II and another time during the India-Pakistan war in 1971. For the same reason, it was covered with a huge scaffold to make it appear like a stockpile of bamboo.

10. Taj Mahal's existence hinges on the presence of the Yamuna river

Located right on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is like a Taj (crown) of the city of Agra. In order for that to happen, the location of the river proved to be a boon. An interesting fact about the Taj Mahal is that if the Yamuna was not there, it would never have been built. You might not know but the foundation of this monument is made out of timber. Moreover, it needs moisture to keep up its strength. Luckily, since it is on the banks of Yamuna, the wood constantly gets the required wetness to hold the magnificent Taj Mahal.

 The image shows a close-up of an intricate geometric design inlaid with semi-precious stones on the white marble surface of the Taj Mahal.

Ant view of the grandeur Taj Mahal | Credits- globeguide.ca 

11. A kaleidoscope of colours throughout the day 

The Taj Mahal is a symbol of love for some and an object of love for many. The sublime pureness of the marble and the intricate designs are one of the many reasons we love the Taj Mahal. If you are still bereft of those feelings then we must urge you to spend one whole day observing or visiting it during the different hours of the day. It appears to be changing colours. Oh no, we are not kidding. Particularly in the early morning hours, you find the Taj Mahal with a tinge bit in pinkish hue while the orange overpowers at sunset hours and on a full moon night, expect it to shine in a milky white appearance.

12. Never illuminated with lights

Most historical monuments are decorated with lights at dusk to make them look even more attractive and alluring but the Taj Mahal is never illuminated with lights. Do you want to know why? Lights attract insects and insects would leave behind their excrement, potentially tarnishing the historical monument. To avoid such scenarios and also security threats, the Taj Mahal is not decorated with lights. But don’t be disheartened, you can still view the marvellous structure in the natural moonlight which adds an ethereal essence to it.

If you're thinking of visiting the Taj Mahal and are looking for budget-friendly stay option you can check out The Hosteller Delhi which is approximately 3 hrs away from the Taj Mahal. The Hosteller Delhi offers clean and comfortable beds, attached WCs, free WiFi, common spaces, a friendly front desk, in-house dining and many more services. 

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