When The Taj Mahal’s Garden Was A Forest In The 19th Century, 2 Photos 1860
Two rare 1860 photographs of the Taj Mahal in Agra. The first shows an amazing sight of the Taj Mahal when its garden looked like a forest. Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, the majestic Taj Mahal and its complex, including the garden, were largely neglected. Just as seen in this image, the garden’s rectangular pool is surrounded by dense forest-like vegetation.
It was not until Lord Curzon became Viceroy of India that the situation began to change. Curzon was keen on preserving India’s historic monuments, ensuring their architectural integrity and cultural significance were maintained. He was largely responsible for the restoration of the Taj Mahal during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The white monument was commissioned in 1631 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658). It was built to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and it later became the resting place of Shah Jahan as well. Built on the banks of the Yamuna River, which flows behind this historic mausoleum, see the 2nd photograph. Click first image to enlarge.
Read more History of The Taj Mahal.
Did you know – ironically, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan abandoned Agra and shifted his capital to Delhi in 1638, marking a significant turning point in Mughal history.
Past posts – 19C Painting of Indian And European Women By Hutchinson 1837., The Experimental Steam Tram of Calcutta, 1900 Postcard., Nizam Of Hyderabad Asaf Jah VI, 1889 Print., Rare Vintage Book – Madras The Birth Place Of British India.
