Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 for being “the jewel of Islamic art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”. The Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the best examples of Mughal architecture and a symbol of Indian history. It has been voted one of the new seven wonders of the world. Obviously, this makes it a massive tourist attraction. Over five million visitors a year. We needed to have a look. I think pretty much everyone that comes to India needs to give it a look.
As seems to be our new normal, this involved an early morning. We arrived just after sunrise. Unfortunately, the harsh and premature awakening did not help from a photographic perspective. Although the sky was clear of clouds there was thin mist hanging over everything. My hopes of a crisp, clear picture were thwarted. On the upside, the crowds are considerably smaller at this unholy hour.
The Taj Mahal is not a temple or church or mosque or anything like that. It is a mausoleum. Inside are just two coffins. It is not used for worship or celebration. Although, it would be a cracking place for a rock concert. In short, it is a monument to love. In 1631 Mumtaz Mahal died while giving childbirth. It was her 14th child to her husband the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. He was heartbroken. Jahan was feeling bad. Historically he was mourning the love of his life. I wondered if there might also be some remorse over his role in so many childbirths. Either way, he decided to build an impressive monument to her. The Shah succeeded spectacularly. Construction took 22 years. When Shah Jahan died at the goodly age of 74, he was entombed there as well.
Our guide was very enthusiastic about the artistic perfection of building. Certainly, it was clear that a lot of work went into it. 20,000 artisans, labourers, painters and others. A 15 km earthen ramp to transport marble, hauled on specially constructed wagons by teams of oxen and elephants. Our guide explained how the foundations were designed to be earthquake proof. The evidence for that being observable fact that it has never collapsed. He also explained that the minarets leaned slightly outwards so as to not intrude into the artistic perfection of the main citadel. Wikipedia however, suggests the outward lean is to prevent damage to the dome if a tower should collapse. These days pollution is taking its toll. Acid rain and pollution affecting the Yamuna River including the presence of Mathura Oil Refinery have turned the dome a bit of a mucky yellow-brown colour. Cleaning is underway.
We queued for a while to have a look inside. There is more of the impressive marble work but not much else. The tombs are tucked away underground and not accessible. Photographs are not allowed. We exited on the river side. The Taj sits on a platform above the banks of the Yamuna River. Another great photo opportunity here but sadly, with the mist, we could barely see the river.
Taj done we went for breakfast. The train people had set up a camp on a grassy hill with a view of the Taj. This was rather nice. The weather was pleasant. A couple of guys were doing some music. We got dots painted on our foreheads with some chanting. I wasn’t too sure about this but there was champagne afterwards, so I let it go. Finally, back into the golf carts where the children chased us back down the hill to the train station.
