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About Taj Mahal » Legends of Taj Mahal » Myth about the sinking Taj Mahal
Myth about the sinking Taj Mahal
 There have always been some beliefs, legends and myths related to the famous historical monuments all over the world. And it is nothing surprising that the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra is engulfed with myths and legends. One that rises above all is the 'Myth about the sinking Taj Mahal'. In spite of taking all possible care in constructing the Taj Mahal it was believed that it was sinking. Building Taj Mahal on the bank of Yamuna River in Agra proved to be its biggest disadvantage.
The most visited travel destination in India, the Taj Mahal in Agra is a monument which no other in the world can match its beauty and grandeur. Known as the most beautiful temple in the world today, the architects of Taj Mahal had taken all precautionary majors to strengthen and stabilize this 'poetry in marble'. The weight of the entire structure was distributed evenly, and the best possible bonding material was applied to make it strong.
However, in spite of all precautionary measures cracks developed into it just after four years of its completion. In 1652 Aurangzeb mentions these cracks in his letter to Shahjahan. Though the cracks were repaired with an immediate action but the nature of its cause could not be discovered. Later in 1810 the cracks emerged at the dangerous level. An advisory committee on the restoration and conservation of the monument was set up and a survey was conducted on it.
The survey revealed the possibilities responsible for the disaster. It was discovered that the plinth of the mausoleum on the northern side or the riverside is lower than on the South by 1-11/25(3.5cms). This showed that the building was inclined towards the riverside. The slope was recorded to be gradual and symmetrical. Cracks were not noticed on the exterior wall, but they were definitely present on the second storey vaults of the marble structure and on a much larger scale in the underground vaults below the northern side.
The long series of cracks in the underground vaults may have been due to the crushing of the lime on account of the excessive weights or as seems more probable, it may be due to the sinking of the whole structure towards the riverside. Such a sinking would shift the load out of balance slowly and gradually and the unequal settlement would crack the weak points, particularly the summits of the vaults and arches, which is actually happening in the underground chambers. This gave birth to the myth that the Taj Mahal is sinking.
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