No visit to India would be complete without a trip to see the Taj Mahal; one of the seven wonders of the World. The Taj Mahal is located in Agra and is rich in history and legend, and tells a beautiful love story of a Mughal Emperor and his beloved wife. The unique monument took over 22 years to be built and is believed to be the result of a dying promise from Shah Jahan’s wife for the most beautiful building in the world to be built in her remembrance.
Shah Jahan fell in love at a very young age with a woman he called Mumtaz Mahal. She was his faithful companion for many years until she died due to complications in child birth during her fourth pregnancy. Shah Jahan was devastated at her death, and remained in mourning for several years. He kept true to his promise to her to build one of the most beautiful monuments in the world; and the result was the Taj Mahal.
There are many old stories and legends which revolve around the Taj Mahal and thousands of people come to visit this remarkable monument every year. Rumours of a Black Taj Mahal to be built and mutilation of the architects have revolved around the Taj for years. When Shah Jahan fell ill, it has been said that he wished for an identical black monument to be erected in his honour, but instead his son imprisoned him and took over the throne. The love story behind the Taj Mahal is a beautiful one, and today Shah Jahan is entombed beside his wife in the monument.
