Despite what we know, this grand structure remains a place of mystery.
For first-time visitors to India, its almost impossible to skip thebucket list-worthy Taj Mahal.
The mausoleum in Agra is Indias most famous monument, and a sublime shrine to eternal love.
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But despite its iconic stature, much of its history is still shrouded in mystery.
Here are a few things about the marble-clad marvel you might not have known.
But as you get closer, it shrinks in sizeexactly the opposite of what youd expect.
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Minarets flank the domed tomb, and a central pool reflects the main building.
There is, however, one exception.
Shah Jahans cenotaph is peculiarly positioned west of the central axis, throwing off the equilibrium.
The odd placement has led many to believe he never meant to be buried there at all.
Occaionally, the monument is given a spa day.
Specifically, a mudpack facial calledmultiani mitti.
From dawn to dusk, the sun transforms the mausoleum.
In the evenings, the Taj can appear translucent blue.
Special tickets are even sold for full moon and eclipse viewings.
A second, black-marble Taj Mahal was being planned
Remember the haphazard placement of Shah Jahans cenotaph?
Some historians have dismissed this story as folklore, too.
For all its associations to devotion and ardor, the Taj was also a source of propaganda.
The complexs ordered symmetry symbolizes absolute powerthe perfection of Mughal leadership.
