Taj Mahal

The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1609 under the orders of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

The Taj Mahal was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahān in Agra, India, to immortalize his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away in 1631. It is considered India's most famous and recognized building, showcasing the finest example of Mughal architecture.

In 1628, Shah Jahan ascended to the throne as the Mughal Emperor of India, marking the beginning of his reign.

Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and was completed in 1653. It is a renowned symbol of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When Mumtaz Mahal was still alive, she extracted four promises from the emperor Shah Jahan, one of which was to build the Taj Mahal in her memory. The construction of this iconic monument began on July 17, 1631.

Shah Jahan initiates the construction of the Taj Mahal, the tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, which will take twenty years to complete.

The name 'Taj Mahal' is believed to have originated from Arabic and Persian, with 'tāj mahall' meaning 'crown palace'.

The first ceremony held at the Taj Mahal was an observance by Shah Jahan on 6 February 1643, marking the 12th anniversary of the death of Mumtaz Mahal.

The main mausoleum of the Taj Mahal was finished in 1648 AD with the help of over 20,000 workers from various backgrounds. It symbolizes the unity and power of the Mughal Empire.

The Taj Mahal was completed in 1653, serving as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal. It is a symbol of eternal love and exquisite Mughal architecture, with intricate designs and beautiful white marble.

The Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built in Agra over a period of 22 years, was completed. It was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The architectural masterpiece is known for its Persian-style exterior and Indian-style interior.

In 1657, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and confined to house arrest in the Agra Fort, where he could gaze upon the Taj Mahal, a symbol of his eternal love for Mumtaz Mahal.

In 1665, Shah Jahan's plan to build a 'Black Taj' mausoleum in black marble opposite the Taj Mahal was interrupted by his son Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb, who was ruling at the time, disagreed with his father's plan and did not complete the construction.

After being imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan spent his remaining days gazing at the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum he built for his wife. He passed away in January 1666 and was buried next to Mumtaz Mahal, reunited in eternity.

In 1861, the Archaeological Survey was established in India with the aim of preserving the country's monuments. British Viceroy Curzon played a key role in leading efforts to restore iconic structures like the Taj Mahal and other buildings in Agra.

In 1879, Henry George Keene popularized the unsupported theory that an Italian named Geronimo Vereneo was the designer of the Taj Mahal.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a significant restoration project was undertaken for the Taj Mahal under the direction of Lord Curzon, the British viceroy of India. This restoration aimed to address neglect and decay issues that had affected the monument.

Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore famously described the Taj Mahal as 'a teardrop on the cheek of time', highlighting its emotional and historical significance.

In 1942, scaffolding was erected to disguise the Taj Mahal in anticipation of air attacks by the Japanese Air Force during World War II.

The Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 and Rules 1959 were established to provide legal protection and control over the Taj Mahal complex and its surrounding area.

The Taj Mahal is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors annually. It is also considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

In November 1988, a settlement was reached between Merv Griffin and Donald Trump regarding the ownership of the Taj Mahal casino, with Griffin purchasing the company and Trump purchasing the Taj Mahal itself.

In 1989, P. N. Oak published a book asserting that the Taj Mahal was constructed in 1155 AD, contradicting historical records of its 17th-century construction.

On April 2, 1990, the Taj Mahal Casino opened with 120,000 square feet of gaming space, claiming to be the largest casino in the world and being dubbed as the 'eighth wonder of the world'.

In 1991, the Taj Mahal went through a prepackaged bankruptcy, leading to Trump giving a 50 percent stake in the business to bondholders in exchange for revised terms.

In December 1996, the Supreme Court of India issued a ruling banning the use of coal/coke in industries within the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) to protect the Taj Mahal and other monuments from pollution.

In 1997, the Indian government set up the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) around the Taj Mahal to enforce strict emissions standards due to environmental pollution.

In 1998, India's Supreme Court implemented anti-pollution measures to protect the Taj Mahal from air pollution caused by nearby factories and vehicular traffic. This was done to preserve the iconic structure from deterioration.

In 2000, India's Supreme Court rejected P. N. Oak's claim that a Hindu king built the Taj Mahal, dismissing the unsupported theory.

The Taj Mahal was the highest grossing casino in the city until the opening of The Borgata in 2003, marking a shift in the casino landscape.

In 2005, the Allahabad High Court rejected Amar Nath Mishra's claim that the Taj Mahal was built by a Hindu king in 1196, refuting the unsupported theory.

On July 7, 2007, the Taj Mahal was honored by being named one of the Seven Wonders of the World, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance globally.

On November 22, 2010, Monnaie de Paris produced a diamond-studded coin featuring the Taj Mahal, showcasing the monument's cultural significance.

From March 6 to March 9, 2013, an International World Heritage Expert Meeting focused on visual integrity was held, emphasizing the importance of preserving the visual aspects of heritage sites like the Taj Mahal.

On September 10, 2014, Trump Entertainment Resorts filed for bankruptcy, signaling financial troubles for the company.

In November 2015, the Union Minister of Culture declared in the Indian Parliament that there is no proof supporting the claim that the Taj Mahal was ever a temple.

In August 2017, the Archaeological Survey of India announced that there is no evidence indicating that the Taj Mahal served as a temple at any point in its history.

A restriction is imposed limiting visitors to a three-hour stay at the Taj Mahal to manage crowds and preserve the monument.

India's Supreme Court directs the ASI to enhance its restoration efforts for the Taj Mahal due to unresolved discoloration and stains on the monument's exterior.

On March 17, 2020, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) mandated the closure of all monuments and museums, including the Taj Mahal, as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus.

The ASI declared on June 14, 2021, that the monuments and museums shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic would resume operations on June 16, implementing safety protocols to protect visitors.