The Taj Mahal, pride of India is not just an architectural marvel, but a repository of mysteries too. Over the years reputed archaeologists, historians and architects have been unveiling various startling facts about the Taj which was otherwise hidden or to say concealed. One of the most debated facts about it is the presence of a Shiva temple in its premise. Many times such an idea is rejected due to the strong scientific base, yet the experts are finding out shocking facts about the Taj. To your curiosity, we prepare this list of lesser known facts about the Taj Mahal so that the next time you plan for a tour to Taj Mahal, you can actually cross check, if the facts are true.
The base of such a huge mausoleum is made of timber which is not meant to be long lasting. The wood was supposed to be rotten and eroded by the years. But to your surprise, it doesn’t because of the presence of river Yamuna. It is in the river water, the wooden base remains moist and it helps to keep it strong.
Taj Mahal Changes its color throughout the day:
We know, you didn't notice it either. But it is true that the reflection of the sun on the Taj Mahal lets it appear pink in the morning, white during the day and by the time sun sets it turns golden.
Image Source: Wikipedia – Taj Mahal in the Morning
Taj Mahal is taller than Qutub Minar
Isn’t it shocking to know that the Taj Mahal is taller than the 73 meters high Qutub Minar? It is about five feet taller than the Qutub Minar. The Taj is taller than the Hagia Sophia of Istanbul, Turkey.
Pillars of the Taj Mahal are tilted
The minarets around the main tomb of the Taj Mahal are slightly tilted outwards. The main reason behind this was to save the central dome and the tomb of both Mumtaz and Shahzahan during earthquake. The minarets are designed in such a way that in the event of a massive earthquake, they will fall away from the tomb.
A black Taj Mahal was planned to be made
It was planned that an identical Taj Mahal would be built on the Banks of Yamuna River with black marble. Unfortunately the plan was not executed. But the base of that proposed structure can be still seen across the river Yamuna.
28 types of precious stones and $1 billion gave it a proper shape
Image Source: Wikipedia – Description Of Tajmahal
28 types of precious and semi precious stones were inlaid inside the Taj Mahal on white marbles which was used to build this marvelous work of architecture. Also, to build the Taj Mahal around Rs.32 million was spent which in today’s money won’t be less than $ 1 billion dollars.
Unique Fountains to create uniform pressure
To make sure uniform and the undiminished water pressure is formed in the fountains, the pipes were not connected directly with the copper pipes that actually feel them. Instead of that a copper pot was added under each fountain pipe. As a result the water first fills the pot and then rises up at the same time in the fountains.