HISTORY, LEGENDS & MYTHOLOGY

Agra's 'Black' Taj area reopens after renovation

     Agra (UP): With the Supreme Court allowing night viewing of the Taj Mahal after a gap of 20 years, except for one day i 2000, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also taken steps to renovate Mehtab Bagh, the site of the incomplete "Black Taj" created by the Mughal Emperors Shahjehan and Aurangzeb. The Taj Mahal was built by Shahjehan to house the remains of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. And what strikes bright is the legend about Shahjahan intending to build one more Taj on the other side of the Yamuna, but this time in black. It has been recorded by Tavernier - a French traveller. "Shahjahan began to build his own tomb on the other side of Yamuna, but the war with his sons interrupted his plans and Aurangzeb who succeeded him, wasn't too disposed towards completing it". Later, the historical guidebooks and gazetteers mention this story almost invariably. The irregular position of the cenotaph of Shahjahan as compared to that of Mumtaz Mahal, which occupies the exact centre of the hall, is said to be proof of this assumption.

     The Mehtab Burj and the wall adjoining it opposite the Taj Mahal are generally said to be the foundations and remains of the proposed plan. Many scholars, however, believe that this is a myth and has no truth to it. The traces, which are identified as the foundations of the second Taj, are actually the enclosing wall of a garden founded by Babur. The irregular position of Shah Jahan's cenotaph in comparison to Mumtaz Mahal's, is similar to that at the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, and thus should not be of any striking significance. Besides, according to Islamic law, bodies are buried with their faces towards Mecca and legs towards the south, and the husband is placed on the right hand side of his wife. The interpretation that the cenotaph of Shah Jahan was not meant to be placed here appears to be superfluous. Once an oasis with fragrant flowers, shaded pavilions, fountain jets, and reflecting pools, the abandoned 25-acre plot has now been renovated by the the ASI with the help of historians, geographers, and botanists from around the world. Dr.Dayalan, the Superintendent of ASI, saya that the 25 acre plot was considered as the place where Shah Jahan thought of building the Black Taj, but later it was discovered that the it was a garden with a spring in between. The ASI, therefore, developed it accordingly. "During the Mughal reign, this garden was very popular. But due to poor maintenance, it became a wild garden. We have tried to give this garden a look similar to what it was during the reign of Shahjehan," claims Dr SH Ramchadraya, the Deputy Superintendent (Horticulture) of the ASI. The tourists coming here also echo similar sentiments, saying that with the renovated Mehtab Bagh, the beauty of the Taj will be enhanced. "This looks very attractive and beautiful. I think this garden will enhance the beauty of the Taj Mahal ," Patrich Yanni, a foreign tourist, said. "It's an excellent effort. It should be maintained like this," said Wadhwani, another tourist.
-Nov 26, 2004    

Previous File                             Current File