Which historical monument has the most interesting backstory? in Questions || Publen

Travels and tourism -> Tourist Destinations and Attractions
0 Comment

Which historical monument has the most interesting backstory?

Jaliyah Wilbraham

As an avid traveler and history enthusiast, I can confidently say that the Taj Mahal in India has the most fascinating backstory of any historical monument in the world. This iconic mausoleum was built between 1632 and 1653 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who tragically died during childbirth.

The story of how the Taj Mahal came to be is both tragic and romantic. It is said that Shah Jahan was so heartbroken by his wife's death that he declared a period of mourning for two years and withdrew from public life. He even went so far as to give up wearing the royal garb, opting instead for plain white clothes to symbolize his grief.

During this time, Shah Jahan devoted himself entirely to the construction of the Taj Mahal. According to legend, he employed over 20,000 workers and artisans from across India and Central Asia to help him realize his vision. They toiled day and night, using everything from steel and marble to precious gemstones and gold to create the Taj Mahal's unique fusion of Indian and Persian architectural styles.

But there is another, darker side to the Taj Mahal's backstory, one that few people know about. It is rumored that Shah Jahan had his own brother, Aurangzeb, imprisoned in order to become emperor himself. And in 1658, just five years after the Taj Mahal's completion, Aurangzeb seized power from his aging and infirm brother and locked him away in the Agra Fort, where he eventually died.

Given this controversial backstory, it's no wonder that the Taj Mahal continues to capture the imagination of people all over the world. Some see it as a symbol of love and devotion, while others view it as a reminder of the brutality and intrigue of the Mughal Empire. Regardless of what one thinks of its history, there is no denying that the Taj Mahal is one of the most awe-inspiring monuments on the planet, and a testament to the power of great architecture to evoke emotions and stir the soul.