India’s Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most iconic monuments, known for its stunning beauty and rich historical significance. The monument is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of The World’ and is India's pride.
From replicas around the world to almost being sold off, the Taj Mahal's legacy is far more complex than most realise. Here are some unique and unknown facts about the Taj Mahal that is sure to leave you shocked.
There are 10 Taj Mahal replicas
Many are familiar with the original Taj Mahal in Agra, but did you know there are over ten notable replicas and structures inspired by it worldwide? The Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, India, often referred to as the "Mini Taj," is perhaps the most famous.
There are also replicas of the Taj Mahal in countries like China, Colombia, Bangladesh, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In fact, the most significant replica is found in the Chinese city of Huaxi!
The massive cost of the Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal’s construction cost will leave you shocked. According to The Times of India, it cost approximately INR 32 million to build the Taj Mahal. And that was in 1653. If the same structure were to be recreated today, it would cost nearly INR 70 billion — around one billion US dollars. Just imagine!
The Taj Mahal changes colours!
Do you know that the Taj Mahal’s changes colour throughout the day? If you visit during sunrise, the white marble takes on a soft pinkish-orange hue. During sunset, the monument appears bright white. At sunset, the Taj Mahal reflects golden shades. So what colour you see the Taj Mahal in depends on when you visit the monument.
DYK there were plans to dismantle the Taj Mahal?
In the 1830s, Lord William Bentinck considered dismantling the Taj Mahal. He wanted to sell the monument and raise funds for the British East India Company. However, this plan was dropped . The high cost of dismantling the monument and the low demand for the marble helped overturn the decision!
Optical illusion ft. Taj Mahal
One of the Taj Mahal’s most remarkable architectural features is the calligraphy adorning its walls. For the unversed, the Taj Mahal has an optical illusion. The Quranic verses inscribed on the monument’s arches form an optical illusion. The size of the calligraphy increases toward the top of the arches, which creates the effect of uniformity when viewed from below.
