Taj Mahal and its 22 rooms mystery: What is inside 22 secret doors of the iconic monument? Are they locked or open? The answer is…

Standing majestically on the banks of the River Yamuna, Taj Mahal is one of the seven wonders of the world. The Taj Mahal is actually an integrated complex of structures with the white domed marble mausoleum being its most significant component. Entrusted to a board-of-architects by the Emperor Shah Jahan, the construction of the Taj Complex began about 1631 AD. “The principal mausoleum was completed in 1648 AD by employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen, whereas, the outlying buildings and gardens were finished five years later in 1653 AD,” reads the official website of Taj Mahal.

Arabic inscriptions in black marble are used to decorate both the south gateway and main mausoleum. The black marble lettering is inlaid into white marble scroll-like borders that frame the architectural features. Sweeping letters and a strong emphasis on horizontal and vertical strokes create an almost grid-like effect in places. Every year, thousands of people visit Agra to get a glimpse of this beautiful monument. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was cited as “the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”

Taj Mahal is known for its beauty. However, this iconic monument has its secrets and mysteries. Some individuals believe that the Taj Mahal stands on the remains of an ancient Shiva temple called Tejo Mahalaya. As per this theory, there are 22 concealed chambers beneath the monument, which are said to house statues of Hindu deities.

But are there any such doors beneath the Taj Mahal? Well, the answer is yes. There are indeed ‘rooms’ located in the basement of the monument, but contrary to popular myths, there’s nothing secretive about them. These spaces are actually long, arched corridors with doors, situated beneath the structure. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for maintaining this area, and the doors are kept locked for security and preservation purposes. According to experts, these basement corridors play a crucial role in providing structural stability to the Taj Mahal.

There have been many conspiracy theories floating over the years about the so-called “secret rooms” of the Taj Mahal. Some claim these spaces act as underground chambers designed to escape the scorching summer heat. However, the most controversial theory suggests that the rooms house idols of Hindu deities, proposing that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

In 2022, this theory gained renewed attention when a BJP youth wing leader filed a petition asserting this claim and demanded an investigation into the “over 20 locked rooms” of the monument. The Allahabad High Court, however, dismissed the petition, stating that it was not based on concrete evidence and did not warrant further inquiry.

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) released images of the so-called ‘secret rooms’ to address the misinformation spreading on social media. It’s important to highlight that these rooms were open to the public until around 1978.  Despite these claims, there is no solid evidence to suggest that the iconic Taj Mahal is or has ever been anything other than a tomb built by a loving husband in memory of his beloved wife.

Arjumand Banu Begum, popularly known as Mumtāz Mahal meaning “beloved ornament of the palace” was an Empress of India during the Mughal Dynasty. Her father was the brother of Empress Nur Jahan (who subsequently became the wife of the emperor Jahangir). ‘Mumtaz Mahal had a very deep and loving marriage with Shah Jahan. Even during her lifetime, poets would extol her beauty, gracefulness and compassion. Mumtaz Mahal was Shah Jahan’s trusted companion, travelling with him all over the Mughal Empire, added the official website of Taj Mahal.

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