THE SAD TRUTH OF TAJ MAHAL

The Taj Mahal is one of the most iconic monuments in India, attracting millions of tourists every year. Built-in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, it is often seen as a symbol of love and devotion. However, the truth behind the Taj Mahal is not as beautiful as the monument itself.

The Taj Mahal was built over a period of 22 years, with over 20,000 workers involved in its construction. The workers were mostly unskilled labourers who were paid very little and had to work long hours in harsh conditions. Many of them died due to poor working conditions, lack of medical facilities and lack of food.

It is believed that the workers who built the Taj Mahal were treated like slaves. They were forced to work for long hours without rest, and they were not provided with adequate clothing or shelter. Many of the workers died of exhaustion or diseases, and their bodies were buried in mass graves near the monument. Also, many people say that Shah Jahan ordered the cutting of the hands of all the workers who had built this historical epic.

The Taj Mahal is made of white marble, which is prone to damage from air pollution. Over the years, the air pollution in Agra has caused the marble to turn yellow, and it is estimated that the monument is losing its shine at a rate of 1 millimetre every year.

The pollution in Agra is caused by various sources, including factories, traffic, and open burning. The government has taken various measures to reduce pollution in the city, but it is still a major problem.

Neglect and Mismanagement

Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal is facing neglect and mismanagement. The monument is suffering from various issues, including cracks in the walls, waterlogging, and encroachment.

One of the major issues facing the Taj Mahal is waterlogging. The groundwater level in Agra has risen due to over-extraction, which is causing water to seep into the foundation of the monument. This is leading to cracks in the walls and weakening of the foundation.

Encroachment is another major problem facing the Taj Mahal. The monument is surrounded by a large number of shops and houses, which are encroaching on the land around it. This is not only causing damage to the monument but also affecting the visitor experience.

The Taj Mahal may be one of the most iconic monuments in India, but the sad truth is that it is facing numerous problems. From the exploitation of workers to environmental damage and neglect, the monument is suffering from various issues that need to be addressed.

The government and other stakeholders need to take action to address these issues and preserve the monument for future generations. This can be done by investing in the conservation and restoration of the monument, reducing pollution in the area, and addressing the issue of encroachment.

Only by taking action can we ensure that the Taj Mahal continues to be a symbol of love and devotion for generations to come.