Lesser known facts about Taj Mahal, India

We all know that Taj Mahal is considered by many people to be one of the most beautiful wonders of the world. It was built by Shah Jahan for his third wife Mumtaz. But there are some other interesting facts about Taj Mahal that not many know. Here are some:

Along with the Taj Mahal that stands in Agra today, Shah Jahan had even planned to build another wonder in black marble, but his plans were interrupted because of the wars that followed. According to studies, though Taj Mahal is maintained very well, scientists are of the opinion that it is sinking day by day.

Around $ 1 million was spent on the construction of this wondrous beauty which was built in the period of 1631-53 by around 20,000 workers. Around 1000 elephants were used for transportation of construction materials. Many precious and semi-precious stones were used to adorn the walls and dome.

It is popularly believed that Shah Jahan had ordered to cut the hands of his workers so that such a monument couldn’t be built again. Some European scholars even claim that this monument was built by Geronimo Veroneo, an Italian architect.

Mumtaz while dying had secured a promise from Shah Jahan that he would build the most exquisite monument in her memory. Though some years back the disabled only had the option of watching the Taj Mahal from a distance, better efforts and work of people have made available wheelchairs so that everyone can see the beauty in its full glory.

Rs. 800 is charged for foreigners to visit this site, whereas Indians are required to pay Rs. 20. March to April and October to December are the best times to visit the Taj Mahal. Also, dusk and dawn are the best times to see the Taj. The Taj also looks brilliant under the moon light. So now that you know more things about this beautiful wonder, go and see it with a fresh perspective.