Sep 24, 2023, 09:18 AM IST

Shah Jahan's unfinished dream: 10 unknown facts about black Taj Mahal

Mahipal Chouhan

 Here are few unknown facts about the legend and the concept of the Black Taj Mahal:

Legendary Counterpart: The Black Taj Mahal is often described as a planned counterpart to the white Taj Mahal, intended to be built across the Yamuna River from the existing Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

Emperor Shah Jahan's Alleged Plan: The legend suggests that Emperor Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, planned to build the Black Taj Mahal as his own mausoleum.

Black Marble: In the legend, the Black Taj Mahal was said to be constructed from black marble or other dark-colored materials, in contrast to the white marble used for the Taj Mahal.

Mirror Image: It was supposed to mirror the Taj Mahal in design and layout, with identical features and proportions.

Bridge Connection: The two monuments were rumored to be connected by a bridge, creating a symmetrical reflection in the Yamuna River.

Lack of Historical Evidence: There is no historical evidence, architectural plans, or records to support the existence of a Black Taj Mahal project.

Tourist Attraction: Despite its fictional nature, some tourists visiting the Taj Mahal are curious about the legend and inquire about the supposed Black Taj Mahal.

In summary, the Black Taj Mahal is a legendary and mythical concept, and its existence is not supported by historical evidence. It remains a captivating and imaginative part of the folklore and storytelling surrounding the Taj Mahal and the Mughal era.