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July 17, 2007

Taj one of the seven wonders...

I have deep interest in history. It tells so much and entertains at the same time. However, when I sit down to write something about Indian history it gets very difficult to know the facts. The facts are more or less ambiguous. To find the accuracy of any part of the history is a painful process.

Last week, there was too much happening over the voting of Taj as the Seven wonders. Taj… what a beauty! is nothing less than a dream and so are the other wonders which holds in it subdued fragrance of the gone years.

The other wonders included were;
The Great Wall, China
Petra, Jordan
Christ Redeemer, Brazil
Machu Picchu, Peru
Chichén Itzá, Mexico
The Roman Colosseum, Italy

Wonder if there is some history associated to these other wonders as in the case of Taj Mahal. History about why it was created, how it was created and what happened after it was created. From the beginning to end there are tons of tales to tell. Again like many historical events even here, the accuracy of these stories is questionable.

Taj Mahal was created by Shahjahan a moghul king, in memory of his wife Mumtaz. If this interests you, Mumtaz died while giving birth to her 14th child when her 13 child was less than a year old.

Taj mahal was brought into existence after long years of hardwork from countless artisans. As a reward for all their hardwork, it is believed they were handicapped by cutting off their hands. Reason? No other Taj should ever be made again. This past of Taj makes me wonder if Taj is a symbol of Love or brutality.

Nevertheless, I am happy it has got world wide recognition as it definitely is a brilliant art work atleast this way the artisans earn their due credit.

If these stories associated with the taj, wasn’t enough there is another strong contender to the list. Taj originally a Hindu temple was seized by Shahjahan from a Hindu king. Now if this story is to be believed all the previous history of Taj becomes baseless.

To think of it, I am glad Taj is not known as a Hindu temple for then like many other beautiful and well-maintained Indian heritages even it wouldn’t even reach to the nomination list. We would not have all the campaigning for it because it would then become too non-secular for the seculars to promote Taj as one of the seven wonders or the caste and creed sensitive Hindu priests wouldn't allow low caste to enter Taj. So in short all for the best.