Legends of the Taj Mahal
Introduction
With its white silhouette rising on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India, the Taj Mahal has been a symbol of love and splendor for centuries. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the apple of his eye, this mausoleum dazzles with its architectural genius. It is also home to countless legends and mysterious stories. Let’s take a look at which legends are told about this enigmatic masterpiece.
The Legend of the Black Taj Mahal
The legend of the Black Taj Mahal is one of the most famous and intriguing myths surrounding India’s iconic monument. The story goes that Emperor Shah Jahan, after building the white Taj Mahal as a tribute to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, planned to construct a mirror image of it across the Yamuna River. This second Taj Mahal would be made of black marble, symbolizing his eternal mourning and grief for his wife.
Legend claims that construction of the Black Taj Mahal commenced, mirroring the design of the original Taj Mahal. However, it was abruptly halted and left unfinished. One version suggests that Shah Jahan’s son, Aurangzeb, overthrew his father to control his extravagant spending, stopping the construction. Another version proposes that the vast funds required for the Black Taj Mahal had already been exhausted on the original Taj Mahal, leaving the empire with insufficient resources for a second grand monument.
Despite the captivating narrative, no concrete evidence of the Black Taj Mahal’s existence has ever been found. The Mehtab Bagh, a garden directly opposite the Taj Mahal on the northern bank of the Yamuna River, fueled the myth due to its perfect symmetry, suggesting the presence of a corresponding structure. However, archaeological excavations have failed to uncover any trace of the Black Taj Mahal.
While the legend of the Black Taj Mahal continues to capture the imagination and curiosity of many, historians and experts maintain that it is just a myth. The Taj Mahal, in its singular splendor, remains a unique testament to love and architectural brilliance.
Records from European travelers visiting India in the 17th century include mentions of a structure made of black marble or a foundation under construction. Individuals like Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, with their observations, played a role in spreading the legend.
Possible Basis in Reality
Mehtab Bagh Gardens
Located across the Yamuna River, the Mehtab Bagh Gardens are considered the central point of the legend. Excavations in these gardens have uncovered some remnants made of black marble. However, whether these are parts of a foundation or belong to another structure hasn’t been definitively determined.
Shah Jahan’s Personality
Shah Jahan’s fondness for building magnificent structures and his profound love for Mumtaz Mahal make the desire to construct a second Taj Mahal plausible. However, the extent to which this desire was taken seriously and implemented remains unclear.
Aurangzeb’s Intervention
Shah Jahan’s son and successor, Aurangzeb, criticized his father’s extravagant spending and halted some construction projects after coming to power. This situation strengthens the possibility that Aurangzeb obstructed the Black Taj Mahal project.
Reflection Theory
Some researchers suggest that the Black Taj Mahal legend might have emerged from misinterpreting the white Taj Mahal’s reflection on the Yamuna River. The reflection formed on the still waters of the river at night could give the impression of a structure made of black marble.
Darkening Over Time
There are also claims that the black marble remnants found in the Mehtab Bagh gardens might be white marble that has darkened over time due to air pollution and environmental factors.
Despite these explanations, the allure of the unknown continues to captivate the public’s imagination, leaving the mystery of the Taj Mahal’s sealed chambers unresolved.
The Myth of the Mutilated Craftsmen
A persistent myth surrounding the Taj Mahal claims that upon its completion, Emperor Shah Jahan ordered the hands of all 20,000 workers, artisans, and craftsmen involved in its construction to be cut off. The supposed motive behind this gruesome act was to ensure that no one could ever replicate the Taj Mahal’s unparalleled beauty and grandeur, thus preserving its uniqueness as a tribute to his beloved wife.
However, this tale is a fabricated legend with no historical basis. The sheer scale of such a massacre would have undoubtedly left behind substantial evidence, and accounts passed down through generations. Additionally, such an act of cruelty would have tarnished the emperor’s reputation beyond repair.
Furthermore, the logistics of such an undertaking would have been nearly impossible. The artisans who brought the Taj Mahal to life came from diverse regions, including places like Florence, Italy. Gathering them all for such a brutal act would have been inconceivable.
The myth of the mutilated craftsmen, while dramatic, serves as a testament to the Taj Mahal’s awe-inspiring beauty and unmatched craftsmanship. It underscores the monument’s status as a unique masterpiece, forever etched in history as a symbol of eternal love and devotion.
The Curse of the Tombs
Beyond being a symbol of love and grandeur, the Taj Mahal has also been the subject of mysterious and supernatural tales. The most prevalent of these is the legend of a curse that befalls those disrespecting the mausoleum, especially the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
According to this legend, individuals who attempted to steal precious stones and treasures from Shah Jahan’s tomb met with misfortune, experiencing mysterious illnesses, accidents, or even death. Some narratives even claim that their souls remain trapped within the corridors of the Taj Mahal, forever restless.
Although the curse’s validity cannot be proven, it undeniably enhances the Taj Mahal’s mystical and captivating atmosphere. This legend reminds visitors of the reverence and admiration held for the mausoleum, contributing to the Taj Mahal’s enduring magic.
22 Secret Rooms of the Taj Mahal
The Mystery of the Taj Mahal’s Sealed Chambers
The Taj Mahal holds a secret within its walls: 22 rooms remain sealed, their contents shrouded in mystery. Speculation runs rampant, with theories ranging from hidden religious symbols to deadly traps and even secret tombs. The debate has intensified to the point where demands for opening these chambers have gained traction. Let’s delve into the enigma surrounding these closed rooms and explore the various perspectives on their purpose and history.
A Glimpse into the Past: The 1934 Inspection
These 22 rooms have remained sealed for decades, with historians suggesting they date back to the Mughal era. They offer a tantalizing glimpse into the past, located beneath the main mausoleum and the jasmine floor. The last known opening occurred in 1934 for inspection purposes, after which they were promptly closed again. Despite the inspection, some locals remain skeptical, believing that authorities haven’t disclosed the truth about what lies within.
The Enigmatic First Floor Chambers
Adding to the intrigue, the first floor of the Taj Mahal’s marble structure houses additional sealed chambers. Two staircases leading to this upper level have been closed since Shah Jahan’s reign, leaving the rooms untouched and unseen for centuries. This inaccessibility has fueled speculation, with numerous rumors swirling around the potential secrets hidden within these chambers.
Expert Opinions: Preservation vs. Conspiracy
While theories abound, experts offer a more pragmatic explanation for the sealed chambers. They point out that the basement rooms, constructed from marble, are susceptible to damage from increased carbon dioxide levels. This can lead to the formation of calcium carbonate, causing the marble to deteriorate. These basement chambers have been kept closed to prevent such damage to the Taj Mahal’s structural integrity.
