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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Taj Mahal

Ivory-white marble mausoleum in Agra, India
Ivory-white marble mausoleum in Agra, India

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Mughal architecture and symbolic significance in Indian history. It attracts millions of tourists annually.

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1609
Construction of the 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.

1612
Construction of the Taj 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.

1628
Shah Jahan becomes Emperor of the Mughal Dynasty

In 1628, Shah Jahan ascended to the throne as the Emperor of the Mughal Dynasty, ruling over northern India.

1631-05-12
Construction of the Taj Mahal

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.

1631-07-17
Construction of the Taj Mahal Begins

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.

1632-01-01
Construction of Taj Mahal Begins

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

1636
Etymology of the name 'Taj Mahal'

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

1643-02-06
First ceremony at the Taj Mahal

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.

1648
Taj Mahal Completed

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.

1653
Completion of the Taj Mahal

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.

1654-06
Taj Mahal completion

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.

1657
Deposition of Shah Jahan and house arrest

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.

1665
Construction of the 'Black Taj' halted by Aurangzeb

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.

1666-01
Death of Shah Jahan

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.

1861
Creation of Archaeological Survey in India

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.

1879
Henry George Keene promotes the theory that the Taj Mahal was designed by an Italian, Geronimo Vereneo

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

1900
Major restoration of the Taj Mahal under Lord Curzon

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.

1913
Rabindranath Tagore's Quote

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

1942
Erection of Scaffolding during World War II

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

1958
Ancient Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 and Rules 1959

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.

1983
Taj Mahal as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

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.

1988-11
Settlement between Merv Griffin and Donald Trump over the Taj Mahal

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.

1989
P. N. Oak publishes 'Taj Mahal: The True Story' claiming the Taj Mahal was built in 1155 AD

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.

1990-04-02
Opening of the Taj Mahal Casino

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'.

1991
Prepackaged Bankruptcy of the Taj Mahal

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.

1996-12
Supreme Court of India ruling on Taj Trapezium Zone

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.

1997
Establishment of Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)

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.

1998
Anti-pollution measures for the Taj Mahal

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.

2000
India's Supreme Court dismisses P. N. Oak's petition regarding the construction of the Taj Mahal

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

2003
Opening of The Borgata Casino

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.

2005
Allahabad High Court dismisses Amar Nath Mishra's petition about the construction of the Taj Mahal

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.

2007-07-07
Taj Mahal named one of the Seven Wonders of the World

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.

2010-11-22
Monnaie de Paris produces diamond-studded Taj Mahal coin

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

2013-03-06
International World Heritage Expert Meeting on Visual Integrity

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.

2014-09-10
Bankruptcy Filing of Trump Entertainment Resorts

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

2015-11
Union Minister of Culture states in the Indian Parliament that there is no evidence of the Taj Mahal being a temple

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.

2017-08
Archaeological Survey of India declares no evidence of the Taj Mahal ever housing 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.

2018-04-01
Implementation of Three-Hour Limit for Taj Mahal Visitors

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

2018-05-09
Supreme Court Orders ASI to Improve Taj Mahal Restoration

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.

2020-03-17
ASI orders closure of monuments and museums due to coronavirus threat

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.

2021-06-14
ASI announces reopening of monuments and museums closed during pandemic

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.

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Taj Mahal
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