The Taj Mahal is one of those landmarks that needs no introduction. Tourists from across the globe dream of seeing it up close, and many book a Taj Mahal Tour from Delhi just to witness its marble perfection in person. But behind the picture-perfect postcard image lies a world of hidden stories, clever engineering, and facts that would surprise even frequent travelers.
Let’s explore some of the things about the Taj Mahal that most people have never heard — the kind of details that make a visit even more meaningful.
It Wasn’t Meant to Be Just One
You might have heard the legend of the “Black Taj Mahal,” but did you know Shah Jahan allegedly planned to build an identical mausoleum across the river — in black marble? The idea was to create a mirror image of the white Taj Mahal, connected by a bridge over the Yamuna.
Although the plan was never completed (likely because Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb), some ruins across the river still spark debate among historians. Whether fact or myth, it adds an intriguing layer to the monument’s mystery.
Its Towers Are Slightly Crooked — On Purpose
The four tall minarets surrounding the Taj Mahal aren’t perfectly vertical. In fact, they lean very subtly outward. At first glance, this might seem like a construction flaw, but it was actually a thoughtful design decision.
Architects feared that if an earthquake ever struck, the towers might collapse. By angling them outward, they would fall away from the central dome — not toward it — minimizing damage to the main structure.
The White Marble Isn’t Always White
Depending on the time of day, weather, and season, the Taj Mahal can appear to change color. In the early morning, it may take on a soft pinkish tone. During midday, it shines bright white. As the sun sets, golden-orange hues may tint the stone. And on moonlit nights, it can appear silver or blueish.
This isn’t just poetic language. The natural properties of the Makrana marble used to build the Taj actually interact with sunlight in unusual ways — adding to its ethereal beauty.
You Don’t See the Real Tombs
Many visitors assume the cenotaphs inside the main chamber are the actual burial sites of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. In truth, those are decorative replicas.
The real tombs are located in a quiet, restricted underground chamber directly below the main room. This chamber is simple and undecorated, following Islamic customs which emphasize modesty in burial practices.
The Calligraphy Gets Bigger — But You Won’t Notice
As you walk through the main entrance and look up, you'll see stunning calligraphy inscribed on the archway. What’s fascinating is that the text doesn’t stay the same size. Letters actually increase in size the higher they go.
Why? It’s a clever optical trick. From the ground, the letters appear uniform in size. This was done so the entire design would look symmetrical and consistent when viewed from below — a brilliant example of visual engineering.
It Took a Village — and Then Some
The construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and lasted over 20 years. But it wasn’t just local labor involved. Over 20,000 artisans and workers were brought in from across India and other countries like Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia.
Craftsmen specialized in everything from calligraphy and inlay work to stone cutting and dome building. The result was a monument that blended Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles into a single masterpiece.
It Was Covered Up During Wars
During World War II and later conflicts, the Indian government took unusual measures to protect the Taj Mahal from aerial attacks. The entire dome was disguised using scaffolding and bamboo mats to make it appear like a pile of wood or a warehouse from above.
This camouflage technique was surprisingly effective. Despite many nearby targets being hit, the Taj remained untouched.
Pollution Is Its Greatest Enemy Today
While centuries of weather and time haven’t managed to destroy the Taj Mahal, modern air pollution is proving to be a real threat. Emissions from nearby factories, vehicle smoke, and even dust in the air have begun to yellow the marble.
To combat this, the Indian government has restricted vehicle traffic near the site, enforced better emissions controls, and frequently cleans the marble using a special clay treatment called “multani mitti” to remove the grime.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Taj Mahal is not only India’s top tourist site but also one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Beyond its beauty lies a world of planning, craftsmanship, and history that makes every detail feel alive.
So next time you plan a Taj Mahal tours, don’t just look at it — look into it. Understanding the deeper layers and hidden stories will turn your visit from a sightseeing stop into a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
