Taj Mahal Myths

Taj Mahal Myths

The Taj Mahal comes attached with many myths and legends; whilst many are strongly believed, others are laughed at. There is evidence to suggest that these rumours are based on truth, but nothing is set in stone.

• Many people believe, Shah Jehan had planned to build another Taj Mahal in black marble, which was to be his own tomb on the opposite bank of the River Yamuna and connect the two by a bridge. However, the construction never got started due to conflict with this son’s, which took up most of his time.
• Shah Jehan deemed that no one else should ever copy the masterpice, so he had the master craftsmans hands cut off.
  Some European scholars held the view that the Taj was designed by an Italian – Geronimo Veroneo. This was first suggested by Father Manrique, an Augustinian Friar, who came to Agra in 1640 A.D. to secure the release of Father Antony who had been imprisoned by the Mughals.
• In the early years after the Taj Mahal was built, a long series of cracks in the underground vaults started to emerge. Those cracks were quickly seen to, and patched up. Cracking has been observed at different times since construction; testing in the early 19th Century showed the base of the mausoleum on the northern side of the structure is lower than on the south by 3.5 centimetres. There is some evidence the Taj Mahal is gradually sinking into the Yamuna River.

Taj Mahal Front View

Taj Mahal