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What is the secret of black Taj Mahal?
The belief holds that Shah Jahan planned a mausoleum to be built in black marble across the Yamuna river, with the two structures connected by a bridge. The idea originates from fanciful writings of Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, a European traveller who visited Agra in 1665.
What causes the Taj Mahal to sparkle?
Heavy showers since early morning washed all the dust and pollutants turning Taj Mahal sparkling white ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit to the city on January 27. The authorities have stepped up their efforts to spruce up the 17th century monument of love and its surrounding areas ahead of the Obama visit.
What makes the Taj Mahal look light?
The materials used to build the Taj Mahal are not neutral, they were certainly dictated by practical constraints, but not only. So white marble was used to highlight the brightness of the mausoleum. Of a good whiteness, the mausoleum always appears illuminated whatever the quality or the color of the light.
How many bathrooms are in the Taj Mahal?
A toilet complex, an air-conditioned toilet complex no less, had finally opened near the Taj Mahal monument in Agra, northern India, one of the world’s Seven Wonders. And a local bigwig, the tourism minister, had been roped in to inaugurate the complex with 11 toilets. It was World Tourism Day.
Why is Taj Mahal turning yellow?
It has been drenched in acid rain, coated in soot from industrial and domestic chimneys, and eroded by atmospheric pollutants. These pollutants – sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and mainly carbon-based particulates – have steadily weathered and eroded the Taj’s brilliant white facade, giving it a yellow sheen.
Why is the Taj Mahal made of marble?
Often described as one of the wonders of the world, the stunning 17th Century white marble Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth. “As an Indian, one is mesmerised by the Taj. …
What are the stones used in decorating Taj Mahal Aside from marble?
Inlaid marbles and gemstones decorate the mausoleum itself. The more extravagant of these richly colored stones include orange carnelian, multi-colored agates and chalcedonies, blue lapis lazuli, bloodstone and garnet.