When we think about India’s most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal immediately comes to mind. Known as the “Symbol of Love,” this stunning masterpiece attracts millions of visitors every year. But beyond its beauty, there are several lesser-known facts about the Taj Mahal that make it even more fascinating. If you’re planning a trip to Agra or simply love history, these facts will surprise you.
1. The Taj Mahal Changes Colors
The Taj Mahal is not always the same shade of white. In the morning, it appears pale pink, at noon it looks bright white, and during the evening it shines golden under the moonlight. This magical effect happens because of the reflection of sunlight and moonlight on its marble.
2. No Photographs of Shah Jahan’s Throne Room
Many people don’t know that Shah Jahan, the emperor who built the Taj Mahal, originally planned to build a black marble replica across the Yamuna River for himself. This was supposed to be connected with a bridge, but the project never got completed.
3. The Calligraphy Has a Secret
The black inscriptions on the Taj Mahal are verses from the Holy Quran. What’s interesting is that the calligraphy gets bigger as it goes higher. This was done so that when you look from below, the letters appear the same size—an early example of optical illusion in architecture.
4. The Minarets Lean Outward
The four tall minarets around the Taj Mahal are slightly tilted outward. This clever design was intentional—if there’s ever an earthquake, the minarets would fall away from the main structure, protecting the mausoleum.
5. It Took 22 Years and 20,000 Workers
The Taj Mahal wasn’t built overnight. It took around 22 years of hard work and over 20,000 artisans, laborers, and craftsmen from across India and Central Asia to complete this monument of love.
6. The Marble Came From Far Away
The white marble used in the Taj Mahal was brought from Makrana in Rajasthan. Other precious stones like jade, crystal, turquoise, and sapphire were imported from as far as China, Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.
7. It’s Not Just a Tomb
While most people see it only as Mumtaz Mahal’s resting place, the Taj Mahal complex includes gardens, fountains, guest houses, and a mosque. It was built as a complete paradise on earth.
8. A Secret Room Exists
Beneath the Taj Mahal, there are hidden chambers and passages not open to the public. Some historians believe these were meant for structural support, while others think they were part of Shah Jahan’s original designs.
9. Protected During World War II
During World War II, the Taj Mahal was covered with bamboo scaffolding to make it look like a stockpile of bamboo rather than a world wonder. This was done to protect it from enemy air attacks.
10. It’s Perfectly Symmetrical
The Taj Mahal is famous for its symmetry. From every angle, the monument looks identical, with equal balance on both sides. The only part that breaks the symmetry is Shah Jahan’s own tomb, which was placed beside Mumtaz Mahal’s grave after his death.
Final Thoughts
The Taj Mahal is more than just a symbol of love—it’s a masterpiece filled with mysteries, secrets, and brilliant architectural techniques. Next time you visit Agra, remember these unknown facts to appreciate the monument even more deeply.
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