10 TAJ MAHAL FACTS AND MYTHS NOT TO BE MISSED!

The Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic and famous landmarks in the world, is steeped in history, facts, and myths. Here are 12 interesting Taj Mahal facts and myths not to be missed:

Facts:

1. Built by Shah Jahan: The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth in 1631.
2. Ivory-White Marble: The monument is made from white Makrana marble, which gives it its distinctive ivory-white appearance.
3. Architectural Marvel: The Taj Mahal is renowned for its architectural perfection, with precise symmetry and intricate detailing.
4. Minarets Lean Outwards: The minarets surrounding the Taj Mahal are designed to lean slightly outward to prevent them from falling on the main tomb in case of an earthquake.
5. Changing Colors: The color of the Taj Mahal appears to change depending on the time of day, ranging from pinkish at sunrise to milky white in the day and golden at sunset.
6. UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Taj Mahal has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
7. Inlaid Gemstones: The Taj Mahal features intricate inlay work with precious and semi-precious gemstones, creating intricate floral and geometric patterns.
8. Mumtaz Mahal’s Tomb: The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum with the tombs of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. The emperor’s tomb was added next to his wife’s after his death.
9. Moonlight Garden: The charbagh (four-part garden) layout around the Taj Mahal is known as the Moonlight Garden, with reflecting pools to enhance its beauty.
10. Sundial Theory: Some believe that the four minarets act as sundials, creating four different shadows that fall symmetrically around the Taj Mahal.

Myths:

1. Black Taj Mahal: There’s a popular myth that Shah Jahan planned to build a black Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River for his own tomb. There is no historical evidence to support this.
2. Hands Cut Off: It’s often said that the workers who built the Taj Mahal had their hands cut off to prevent them from building a similar structure. This is a myth with no credible historical backing.
3. Mumtaz Mahal’s Grave: Another myth is that Mumtaz Mahal’s body was cut into 14 pieces and distributed across the empire. In reality, she was buried in the Taj Mahal.
4. Taj Mahal’s Disassembly: A persistent myth claims that the British planned to disassemble the Taj Mahal and sell it. This is entirely untrue.
5. Alignment with the Stars: Some believe that the Taj Mahal is aligned with the North Star. While it is accurately aligned with the cardinal directions, there is no evidence to suggest an alignment with the North Star.

The Taj Mahal is a magnificent monument with a rich history and cultural significance. While it has its share of myths and legends, its true story is equally captivating.