“Unveiling the Enigma: Lesser-Known Facts About the Taj Mahal”.

Delhi: The Taj Mahal, an iconic masterpiece of Mughal architecture, is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, India. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, it is renowned for its symmetrical beauty and intricate design. The monument’s façade is adorned with precious and semi-precious stone inlay work, and it changes color throughout the day. The Taj Mahal is also famous for its unique architectural features, such as the slightly leaning minarets and intricate calligraphy. It stands as a testament to eternal love and remains one of the world’s most visited and cherished landmarks.

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous landmarks in the world, but there are still some lesser-known facts about it. Here are the top 5 lesser-known facts about the Taj Mahal:

1. Black Taj Mahal Myth:

   There is a popular local legend that suggests that Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who commissioned the Taj Mahal, had plans to build a Black Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River for himself. However, this is considered a myth, and there is no concrete historical evidence to support the existence of such plans.

2. Change in Color:

   The Taj Mahal appears to change color throughout the day. It looks pinkish in the morning, white during the day, and golden in the moonlight. This phenomenon is due to the way the marble reflects the changing light conditions.

3. Calligraphy Art:

   The Taj Mahal features intricate calligraphy on its exterior walls. The calligraphy includes verses from the Quran, and the size of the letters is adjusted to give the illusion of uniformity when viewed from the ground. The calligraphy gets larger as it goes higher up the structure to maintain the same visual size.

4. The Unfinished Minarets:

   The Taj Mahal has four minarets, one at each corner of the main platform. These minarets are slightly tilted away from the main structure. This design was intentional, as they were constructed to lean slightly outward. This design prevents them from falling onto the main mausoleum in case of an earthquake.

5. Use of Precious and Semi-Precious Stones:

   The Taj Mahal is adorned with precious and semi-precious stones, often referred to as inlay work. These stones include lapis lazuli, onyx, and topaz, among others. The artisans used these stones to create intricate floral patterns and calligraphy on the white marble. Some of these precious stones were later plundered by looters and removed.

These facts offer a deeper understanding of the Taj Mahal’s history, design, and unique characteristics beyond its well-known status as a symbol of love and architectural marvel.