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Daily News Egypt
14-07-2025
- Daily News Egypt
Taj Mahal: Not just India's crown jewel, but humanity's timeless treasure
In the heart of Agra—a city steeped in history and echoing with tales of empires past—stands a monument that transcends time, culture, and even death itself. The Taj Mahal, often hailed as the most beautiful building ever created, is more than just a mausoleum; it is a poem in marble, a testament to eternal love, and a masterpiece that continues to captivate millions from every corner of the globe. For us in Egypt, whose soil breathes the grandeur of ancient civilizations and monumental architecture, the Taj Mahal resonates with a familiar sense of awe—a shared human endeavour to immortalise beauty and devotion. My journey began in the vibrant streets of Delhi, where the rich tapestry of culture and history unfolded before me. From bustling markets to serene gardens, the city thrummed with an energy both exhilarating and overwhelming. After soaking in Delhi's sights and sounds, I travelled to Agra, eager to behold the jewel of Mughal architecture. First Impressions of the Taj Mahal Upon arriving in Agra, I felt a surge of anticipation. Stepping into the sprawling Taj Mahal complex, I was immediately struck by the sheer scale and perfect symmetry that define this architectural wonder. The vivid red sandstone of the main gate, the Darwaza-i-Rauza, offered a dramatic prelude, framing the pristine white marble mausoleum that shimmered like a distant mirage. Passing through the archway, the Taj Mahal revealed itself in its full glory—an ethereal vision that took my breath away. The perfectly manicured gardens, divided by reflecting pools that mirror the monument flawlessly, guide the eye toward the central dome, creating an illusion of floating grace. Though photographed countless times, nothing truly prepares you for the profound emotional impact of witnessing it firsthand. The Love Story Behind the Monument At its heart, the Taj Mahal is a deeply human story of love and loss. Commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Banu Begum—known as Mumtaz Mahal—the monument is the embodiment of his grief. Mumtaz died in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child, leaving Shah Jahan devastated. Vowing to build a mausoleum so magnificent it would have no equal, he dedicated over two decades, from 1632 to 1653, to bring this vision to life. Mumtaz Mahal was far more than a consort; she was a trusted advisor and confidante. Her death transformed Shah Jahan, driving him to create a memorial of such splendour that her memory would be enshrined forever. Architectural Brilliance The Taj Mahal's architecture is a harmonious synthesis of Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles, blending grandeur with delicate artistry. Constructed entirely of translucent white Makrana marble, the monument seems to change hues with the light—from a soft pink at dawn, to a dazzling white at midday, and a golden glow under moonlight. This shifting palette lends it an almost otherworldly aura. Intricate floral motifs and elegant calligraphic inscriptions, meticulously inlaid with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli and turquoise, transform its surfaces into a jewelled tapestry. Each detail is a miniature masterpiece. The four minarets that stand at each corner lean very slightly outward—a deliberate design choice so that, in the event of an earthquake, they would fall away from the central dome. This subtlety reveals the advanced engineering and foresight of Mughal architects. Symbolism and Spirituality Beyond its architectural brilliance, the Taj Mahal is steeped in symbolism. It is said to represent a vision of Mumtaz Mahal's house in Paradise, reflecting the Mughal tradition of a garden tomb as an earthly echo of the divine. The garden's layout—divided into four equal parts by water channels—mirrors the four rivers of Paradise, embodying the classic charbagh design. As I wandered through the gardens, I was reminded of Egypt's ancient funerary complexes, where monumental construction sought to achieve immortality. The inscriptions on the Taj Mahal speak of the soul's journey and the promise of eternal beauty, echoing themes deeply familiar to my own cultural heritage. The Construction Marvel Building the Taj Mahal was an extraordinary feat, mobilising around 20,000 artisans and craftsmen from India, Persia, and Central Asia. Though Ustad Ahmad Lahori is often credited as the chief architect, the monument was the result of a remarkable collaborative effort. Transporting marble and precious stones over great distances required ingenuity and resilience, often relying on elephants and bullock carts. The sheer scale of the endeavour, combined with artistic mastery, reflects the resources and ambition of the Mughal Empire. Preservation Efforts Today, the Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to draw millions of visitors each year. Yet its very popularity also threatens its delicate beauty. Pollution from nearby industry poses risks to the marble's luminous sheen. In response, the Indian government has introduced measures including restricted vehicle access and the promotion of electric transport to help protect this irreplaceable monument. A Shared Human Legacy As I departed Agra and continued my journey to Bengaluru, the memory of the Taj Mahal lingered—a timeless embrace of love and artistry. For an Egyptian, used to the imposing pyramids and temples of millennia-old civilisation, the Taj Mahal offered a different yet equally powerful narrative. It reminds us that across continents and centuries, humanity has always strived to build monuments that speak to our deepest emotions, aspirations, and devotion. The Taj Mahal is not merely India's crown jewel; it is a treasure of humanity—an eternal embrace carved in stone, forever inviting us to bear witness to the enduring power of love and beauty.
News18
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
MP Couple's Replica Taj Mahal Wins Hearts Online, Internet Says 'Wow'
Last Updated: The house is located within the grounds of a school founded by Chouksey. It has marble domes, intricate stonework on its pillars, and elegant archways. The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, continues to captivate people globally. Mirroring this architectural marvel, a couple in Madhya Pradesh, India, has designed their house as a replica of the iconic monument. The four-bedroom house, owned by Anand Prakash Chouksey and his wife, is located in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh. A video tour of their home has gone viral, captivating the internet. The video, posted on Instagram by Priyam Saraswat, features the couple welcoming Saraswat and providing a tour. 'It has been made using Makrana marble," the couple explains. 'The original Taj Mahal's dimensions in metres have been replicated in feet here. It's one-third the size of the original monument," they add. Situated within the grounds of a school founded by Chouksey, the house features marble domes, intricate stonework on its pillars, and elegant archways. According to the video's caption, the house was built as a testament to love, echoing the enduring sentiment behind the Taj Mahal. Netizens too expressed amazement at the stunning architecture. Many comments praised the house's beauty. 'Wow," one user commented. 'Everything about this reel is beautiful," another Instagram user wrote. 'The entrance reminds him of his humble beginnings. What a beautiful reminder," a second user added. A third commented, 'Love the couple, love the house obviously, love the message too! Which city in MP is this?" Another user commended the couple's humility: 'More people are fans of his humbleness than of his house. Despite owning a mansion grand enough to rival the Taj Mahal, he remains grounded and kind to everyone he meets. Wealth hasn't changed him… It's rare to see someone carry such greatness with so much grace."
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Man built his own 4 BHK Taj Mahal in MP to honour love and his roots. TV actress reacts
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Netizens react In a world where opulence often steals the spotlight, one man in Madhya Pradesh is redefining grandeur, not with extravagance, but with emotion. A viral video of a magnificent house modelled after the Taj Mahal has captivated the internet, but it's the story behind the marble that's truly stealing hearts. This isn't just a lavish display of architecture—it's a symbol of love , rooted in humility, and built to in Burhanpur, the stunning residence belongs to Anand Prakash Chouksey , who constructed it as a scaled-down version of the Taj Mahal within the campus of a school he founded. Built using the same Makrana marble as the original monument, the house replicates the Taj's dimensions, translating meters into feet for a one-third replica. Beyond its beauty, the structure serves as a tribute to love and a reminder of staying connected to one's roots. In the video, the man pointed towards a design on the floor and shared that he spent his childhood distributing milk; hence, the design of a buffalo on the floor of a buffalo served as a reminder of his roots and to never be a now-viral post, creator Priyam Saraswat shared the breathtaking visuals and wrote that the house stands not just as a symbol of architectural brilliance but of spreading love. The post has since received waves of appreciation online.A video of the house recently went viral, with social media users praising not only the home's beauty but also Chouksey's values. 'Uncle has a more beautiful heart than his Mahal,' wrote one user. Another commented, 'More people are fans of his humbleness than of his house… It's rare to see someone carry such greatness with so much grace.' Even TV actress Kavita Kaushik joined in, calling it 'So nice, nicer people.' The admiration wasn't just for the craftsmanship, but for the deeper message of love, humility, and remembering your the creator of the viral post, perfectly captured this sentiment in their caption: 'This stunning home is situated close to Indore in MP and built as a symbol of propagating love amongst all. The best part is it's built inside a school founded by Anand Prakash Chouksey.'
NDTV
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Video: Madhya Pradesh Businessman's Taj Mahal-Style House Leaves Internet Mesmerised
A video showing a Taj Mahal-style house in Madhya Pradesh is going viral on social media, not just for its stunning architecture but for its heartwarming intention behind it. Taking to Instagram, content creator Priyam Saraswat shared a video showcasing the ultra-luxurious 4-BHK marble house owned by businessman Anand Prakash Chouksey. The clip begins with Mr Saraswat asking if the house is indeed their residence and a replica of the Taj Mahal. The couple confirms it with a smile, following which the content creator asks if the home is dedicated to Mr Chouksey's wife. "Absolutely, it is 100% dedicated to her. And our love stands strong with us," Mr Chouksey replies. The businessman then explains that the house has been constructed using Makrana marble - the same material used in the iconic monument located in Agra. "The original Taj Mahal's dimensions in metres have been replicated in feet here. It's one-third the size of the original monument," Mr Chouksey says. Sharing the video on Instagram, Mr Saraswat wrote, "This stunning home is situated close to Indore in MP and built as a symbol of propagating love amongst all. A majestic structure with one of a kind marble work from inside. The best part is it's built inside a school founded by @ This truly is a remarkable house and such a great purpose." Watch the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyam Saraswat (@priyamsaraswat) According to the BBC, the house cost about Rs 2 crore to build. It is nestled deep inside Mr Chouksey's 50-acre property, which also includes a school founded by him. The house consists of four bedrooms, a meditation room, a library, carved pillars and arched doorways. On Instagram, the video has garnered more than 14.7 million views and over 1.3 million likes. Internet users praised both the house and the couple. "A school, a monument, and a message - all in one. Remarkable," commented one user. "Imagine growing up in a school with a mini Taj Mahal on the premises - magical!" said another. "Sometimes some reels comes up on your feed and brightens your day.... This.... This .... This is the one.... Absolutely loved the way uncle and family described the house... So many emotional connect throughout," expressed a third user. "More people are fans of his humbleness than of his house. Despite owning a mansion grand enough to rival the Taj Mahal, he remains grounded and kind to everyone he meets. Wealth hasn't changed him ..... It's rare to see someone carry such greatness with so much grace," commented another. "Wow! What thoughts the owner has! The entrance of the house reminds him of his humble beginnings and never to forget! That's a great lesson," wrote one user. "Incredible! This is the craziest dedication to love in this day and age," said another.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Madhya Pradesh couple's Taj Mahal-like 4BHK house stuns internet. Watch
A video showcasing a breathtaking Taj Mahal-style house in Madhya Pradesh has captured the internet's attention—not just for its architectural grandeur but also for the heartfelt sentiment behind it. This remarkable structure, a scaled-down marble replica of the iconic monument, serves as the residence of Anand Prakash Chouksey and his family. Uniquely, it is located within the campus of a school that Chouksey himself founded in Burhanpur. (Also read: Inside Kerala's unique house: Man turns Ambassador car, Bajaj scooter into home decor pieces. Watch) Clad entirely in Makrana marble, the 4BHK house mirrors the proportions of the original Taj Mahal, albeit reduced to one-third of its size. Featuring elegant domes, intricately carved pillars, and gracefully arched doorways, the home stands as a tribute to timeless love and the enduring legacy of the Mughal-era masterpiece. In the viral video, shared by Instagram user Priyam Saraswat, the couple takes viewers on a brief tour of the property. The clip begins with Saraswat asking if the house is indeed their residence and a replica of the Taj Mahal. Smiling, they confirm. He then asks if the home is dedicated to Chouksey's wife. 'Absolutely, it is 100% dedicated to her,' Chouksey replies. 'And our love stands strong with us.' They explain that the house has been constructed using Makrana marble—the same material used in the original Taj Mahal. 'The original Taj Mahal's dimensions in metres have been replicated here in feet,' they say. 'It's a one-third scale version.' Saraswat's caption reads: 'This stunning home is situated close to Indore in MP and built as a symbol of propagating love amongst all... The best part is it's built inside a school founded by @ Take a look here at the video: A post shared by Priyam Saraswat (@priyamsaraswat) The video has garnered over 5.9 million views and triggered an outpouring of admiration in the comments section. Social media users were visibly moved by both the craftsmanship and the sentiment. One user wrote, 'This is the most romantic thing I've seen all year,' while another added, 'Now that is how you express love — through legacy, not just words.' Someone commented, 'Looks more real than most replicas out there. Incredible work!' while another said, 'Makrana marble and that detail? Simply stunning.' (Also read: Sneak peek inside India's first 3D-printed villa in Pune: 'This is insane technology') 'This gave me goosebumps,' one user remarked. Another stated, 'It's not just a house. It's a living poem in marble.' A viewer appreciated the overall purpose, saying, 'A school, a monument, and a message — all in one. Remarkable.' Another added, 'Imagine growing up in a school with a mini Taj Mahal on the premises — magical!'
