5 Taj Mahal Facts That Make It Truly Timeless
Mahal still captures people's attention– not just as a beautiful monument, but as something deeply connected to India's identity. For some, it's a must-visit tourist spot.
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For others, it's a powerful symbol of love, history, and incredible craftsmanship.
Sitting in Agra, this structure is a window into the Mughal era– its style, its culture, and the way it viewed beauty and legacy.
But there's more to the Taj than just white marble and perfect design. From the workers who built it to the rare materials used, there are many hidden layers behind its postcard-perfect image. Here's a closer look at six lesser-known facts that explain why the Taj Mahal still matters today.
Built in remembrance of
Mumtaz Mahal
As per unesco(dot)org, the Taj Mahal was built on the orders of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600s, after his wife Mumtaz Mahal passed away. Heartbroken by her death, he decided to build a grand mausoleum in her memory. That emotional decision eventually gave rise to one of the most iconic monuments in Indian history.
It took many years to complete
Work on the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and continued for many years, finishing around 1648, as per unesco(dot)org.
According to online sources, it's also said that around 20,000 people were involved in building it– from architects and artisans to stonecutters and labourers. The time, effort, and sheer number of people involved show just how important and massive this project was back then.
Designed with mixed influences
The Taj Mahal isn't built in just one style. It combines elements from Islamic to Indian architecture, as per unesco(dot)org. From its domes and minarets to the calligraphy and floral inlay work, everything comes together to create a design that's both unique and timeless.
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Known for its precise symmetry
One of the most striking things about the Taj Mahal is its symmetry, as per unesco(dot)org. From the main dome to the gardens and surrounding buildings, everything is perfectly balanced and carefully aligned. The only part that breaks this symmetry is Shah Jahan's own tomb, which was added later and sits slightly off-centre.
Recognised globally as a heritage site
In 1983, the Taj Mahal was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as per tajmahal(dot)gov(dot)in. Years later, it also made it to the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World. These recognitions helped make it known around the world– not just as an Indian monument, but as a global cultural icon.
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Deccan Herald
4 hours ago
- Deccan Herald
Where stone chariot races the sun
If you ever travel to Odisha on India's eastern coast, you might hear whispers about a mysterious temple that looks like a giant stone chariot, frozen in time as if it was about to roll towards the sea. That's the Sun Temple of Konark, one of the most fascinating buildings in India, and a place that has amazed travellers, artists, and scientists for hundreds of years. The Konark Sun Temple stands just a few kilometres from the Bay of Bengal. As you get closer, you might spot giant wheels, each one taller than you, carved with incredible patterns and shapes. The whole temple is built to look like the chariot of Surya, the Sun God, being pulled by seven magnificent stone horses. It's made entirely out of black granite and khondalite rock, and was built more than 750 years ago, during the rule of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the thirteenth century. 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There are 24 wheels, which some people say stand for the hours in a day, and each wheel has eight spokes, like the eight 'praharas' or divisions of time in an Indian day. For hundreds of years, travellers and pilgrims have been amazed by this combination of science and art, where the temple itself helps people measure time. The Sun Temple is decorated with thousands of carvings, big and small. Look closely and you'll find elephants, lions, horses, dancers, musicians, birds, and flowers—all carved in lifelike detail. Many of the figures tell stories from everyday life or from ancient legends, while others show how people celebrated the sun with music, dance, and festivals. Some carvings are so tiny that you need to kneel down and squint to see all the hidden details, while others are so grand you'll want to take a dozen photos. For centuries, Konark was a place where artists and thinkers gathered, especially during the early morning, when the first sunlight would hit the temple's main entrance. The main shrine, which once held a massive statue of Surya, is now in ruins, but you can still sense the awe that people must have felt when sunlight filled the temple. Sadly, parts of the temple have collapsed over time, mainly because of the salty sea air, heavy monsoon rains, and even attacks by invaders. Still, what remains is enough to fill visitors with wonder. One of the most fascinating mysteries about Konark is how such a huge and heavy temple was built with no cranes or modern machines. Some experts think the builders used clever ramps, pulleys, and lots of teamwork. According to legend, a huge iron rod was used to hold the top stone together, and the temple was decorated with a magical lodestone, a natural magnet that was supposed to make ships' compasses go haywire. While there's no proof of the lodestone today, these stories add to Konark's magical reputation. People from all over the world come to Konark, not just to see the temple but to be part of its festivals. Every December, the Konark Dance Festival brings together India's best classical dancers, who perform on a stage with the temple as their backdrop, just as dancers did centuries ago. As night falls and the music begins, you can almost imagine the temple coming back to life, with shadows dancing across its ancient stones. Konark isn't just a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it's a symbol of Indian creativity, scientific thinking, and the power of imagination. It's been called the 'Black Pagoda' by sailors who saw its dark stones from their ships. It's also a puzzle waiting to be solved, with historians and scientists still trying to unlock its secrets. Some say there are hidden passages or treasures, while others are simply amazed by how carefully the entire structure is aligned with the east, so that the first light of the day touches the feet of the Sun God. If you ever get to visit Konark, try to wake up early and see the sunrise over the temple's wheels and horses. It's the perfect way to understand why, even after so many centuries, Konark still inspires awe. Temple is shaped like a giant chariot Konark's Sun Temple was built to look like Surya's chariot from Hindu mythology, complete with 24 massive wheels and seven stone horses. Works like a sundial The wheels aren't just for decoration—they're actually ancient timekeepers! You can tell the time by watching the shadows cast by the spokes. Konark once had a huge magnet Legend says the temple once had a giant lodestone (a natural magnet) at its centre, which was so powerful it could disrupt ships' compasses at sea. Temple faced the rising sun The main entrance was built so that the first rays of the sun would light up the idol of Surya inside the temple each morning. It's called the 'Black Pagoda' Sailors on the Bay of Bengal called Konark the 'Black Pagoda' because of its dark stones, which helped them navigate the coast. Many parts are now in ruins The main sanctum collapsed long ago, but much of the temple's beauty remains, attracting visitors and researchers from around the world. ISTOCK It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site Konark Sun Temple is one of India's most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognised for its amazing architecture and history. ISTOCK Famous dance festival Every year, classical dancers from all over India perform at the Konark Dance Festival, with the temple as a stunning backdrop.
Time of India
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Hospitality boom heats up in twin cities
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NDTV
8 hours ago
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