The architecture of Taj Mahal is not as flawless as we consider it to be. There is a hole in the building which is perpendicularly above the tombstone of Mumtaz Mahal. The story around this hole, which is one of the myths surrounding the Taj Mahal, is that the workers did this purposefully because they had heard the Emperor’s decision that he will amputate their arms once the construction of Taj Mahal was completed.
The dome of the Taj Mahal is concealed every time there is an emergency such as domestic and world wars. The Archaeological Survey of India had covered the Dome of Taj Mahal with a false front during the World War II, which looked like piled up bamboo to camouflage it from bombers. This was done again in the year 1971 during the Indo- Pakistan war and then in 9/11 it was protected by covering a green cloth around it.
An archeological fact, but nevertheless interesting, is that the minarets of the Taj Mahal were constructed in a way that if in case any natural calamity like earthquake happens then they won’t fall on the main structure or the Gumbad of the Taj Mahal. So if you watch closely, the minarets of the Taj Mahal is actually tilting outwards.
A fact which is quite unbelievable is that the Taj Mahal is actually greater in height as compared to the tallest tower of the world – the Qutub Minar. The height of Taj Mahal is 243.5ft while Qutub Minar is of the height of 239ft. The proportion and symmetry and the way in which the Taj Mahal is constructed, makes it hard to believe that it is taller than Qutub Minar.
P.C. Sorcar jr., a famous magician had once made the Taj disappear from the spectators eye on 8th November 2000 by using tricks which according to him were series of optical illusions by using advanced scientific measures. This was one magic trick which was awe inspiring amongst the witnesses was a genius move by the magician.
The Taj Mahal is one of the monuments which are fiercely protected. There is a provision that no cars and other motor-transport are to come within the radius of 500 metres from the Taj Mahal.
The Emperor Shah Jahan was not allowed to enter the mausoleum during the end of his life. It is said that when he fell gravely ill, the throne was overtaken by his son Aurangzeb by force and he was banned to visit the Mausoleum. The emperor then spent his last days in mourning while looking at the Taj Mahal from Agra Fort.
