Since childhood, we have been told a lot about the Taj Mahal. The stories related to it, mysteries, who and for whom it was built, why it was built and lots more. Taj Mahal is one of the most powerful and famous testimonies of love. But did you know about some facts that are still unheard or lesser discussed? The history of the Taj Mahal is exciting more than you think. Here we have listed some of the unknown or less heard facts about the Taj Mahal.
1. Taj Mahal was built to honour the favourite wife of Shah Jahan
We all know this thing, the Taj Mahal was built in the year 1631 when Shah Jahan’s favourite queen, Mumtaz Mahal, died giving birth to their 14th child. Shah Jahan had many wives which are also buried in the same complex, but it was only Mumtaz who was his favourite. This is the Taj Mahal that has been built in the memory of Mumtaz.
2. Taj Mahal changes its colour depending on the light
Now, this is very surprising, did you know that the Taj Mahal changes its colour depending on the light? The shimmering white marble structure gives off a different aura when seen under the warm sunlight and the cool shade of moonlight. It will give you a glimpse of pinkish hue in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden at night when lit by the moon.
3. Taj Mahal took long 22 years to complete its construction
Yes, the Taj Mahal took almost 22 years to build. The construction cost is estimated to be around 32 million Indian rupees which are equal to over US $1 billion at that time. More than 20,000 laborers were hired from all over Asia. Over 1,000 elephants were used to transport the heavy building material. The structure was adorned with 28 types of precious jewels. The turquoise came from Tibet, and jade came from China.
4. Taj Mahal has a hole in the ceiling of the main hall
Do you know there is a hole in the ceiling of the main hall which is perpendicularly right above Mumtaz Mahal’s tombstone? It is believed that one of the artisans left the hole to create a flaw and destroy the dream of Shah Jahan to make it flawless after the artisan came to know about Shah Jahan’s plan who has decided to amputate all the artisans after completing the construction.
5. Taj Mahal surpasses the Qutub Minar
Believe it or not, the Taj Mahal is taller than the Qutub Minar. It is five feet taller than Qutub Minar.
6. Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday
The Taj Mahal is closed every Friday because it has an active working mosque on the premises, which is open for prayers every Friday in the afternoon.
7. Do you know pillars of the Taj Mahal are tilted outwards rather than standing straight?
If you observe it carefully, the four pillars of minarets are tilted outwards rather than standing straight. The reason behind their construction in this way was to protect the main tomb from being damaged with the falling of minarets on it in case of any natural calamity like an earthquake.
