Apr 22, 2025, 02:07 PM IST

Land on which Taj Mahal was built originally belonged to… 

Shivani Tiwari

Taj Mahal, India's iconic monument and symbol of love in Agra, is known worldwide for its beauty and Mughal architecture.

This iconic monument holds fascinating and lesser-known stories that reveal its rich history and hidden secrets, making it even more intriguing for history enthusiasts and visitors alike.

It is widely believed that the iconic Taj Mahal in India was built on land that once belonged to a Hindu king, rather than the Mughal Empire that was ruling the region.

According to reports, the Taj Mahal wasn't originally Mughal property. 

Historical records show Emperor Shah Jahan acquired the land from Raja Jai Singh in exchange for four Agra havelis, as per ASI records.

BJP MP Diya Kumari claimed the Taj Mahal's land belonged to the Jaipur royal family, citing documents suggesting a palace once stood there, which Shah Jahan seized during his rule.

 "As per documents with us, the property on that land was a palace. Shah Jahan captured it during his reign. The land belonged to the Jaipur royal family, and we have got the documents that it belonged to us," Diya Kumari stated, asserting the historical site's disputed past.

The Taj Mahal, a majestic marble monument, was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz. 

This impressive monument was built from 1632 to 1653, taking 22 years. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.

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