New Delhi: The Taj Mahal is one of the most visited tourist spots for domestic and international travellers. It is also one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Taj Mahal is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. It stands in white marble near the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The beautiful architecture is an experience in itself.
Did you know that the Taj Mahal has some secrets? These secrets are locked in 22 rooms of the monument. The monument has been in the limelight for a long time now, and people are always curious to know what’s inside these doors.
Is there any secret about the locked rooms?
In 2022, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) released pictures of the secret doors in a newsletter. The letter read, “The work of maintenance of underground cells on the riverside was taken up. Decayed and disintegrated lime plaster was removed and replaced by laying of lime plaster and traditional lime processing before application.”
But is there any secret about them? Well, there have been many reports which say yes and no.
The Taj Mahal has what some call ‘rooms’ in its basement, but they are not really secret. Instead, they are part of a long, arched corridor with doors. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) regularly cleans this area but is locked for security reasons. Experts say these rooms support the structure of the mausoleum and minaret.
Over the years, many conspiracy theories have emerged about the contents of these so-called secret rooms. Some claim they are part of an underground space to escape the heat. One controversial theory argues that these rooms hold idols of Hindu gods and goddesses, suggesting that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple.
In 2022, the Allahabad High Court dismissed a plea from a BJP youth leader who argued that the Taj Mahal is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. He asked for an investigation into the “over 20 locked rooms”. The petitioner claimed the Taj Mahal was a Tejo Mahalaya temple and wanted the government to reveal its ‘real history.’ However, the court declined his request. The debate continues.
After the court’s decision, the ASI released pictures of the supposed secret rooms to counter misinformation on social media. Notably, these rooms were open to the public until about 1978.
A BBC article from 2022 states that many of the locked rooms mentioned are in the underground areas of the mausoleum. According to expert accounts, there is not much going on there. The article says these rooms were part of a tahkhana, or underground chamber, for the hot summer months. A gallery in the monument has “a series of rooms.” There were seven larger rooms with niches on each side, six square rooms, and two octagonal rooms. Originally, the larger rooms overlooked the river through beautiful arches. Such underground galleries are common in Mughal architecture. For example, a Mughal fort in Lahore, Pakistan, has similar vaulted rooms.
The Taj Mahal’s Architectural Marvel: Beyond the Myths
The Taj Mahal has various moods from dawn to dusk. In the soft light of early morning, it looks milky white. In the afternoon sun, it glistens brightly against the blue sky, almost like a jewel. At night, the moonlight makes it look majestic and beautiful in a way that is hard to describe. It shines like a pearl on a full moon night, leaving visitors amazed by its beauty. The romantic and grand nature of the structure is truly remarkable.
The Taj Mahal is also considered the epitome of love. Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor, built it. The marvellous architecture is said to represent Shah Jahan’s never-ending love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The construction of the monument was completed in 1648.
The Taj Mahal’s “secret” rooms, a series of underground chambers, are not as mysterious as some believe. While locked for security, these rooms, once accessible to the public, are integral to the mausoleum’s structural support and serve as a cool retreat during the summer months. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
