The Taj Mahal, India’s iconic monument of love, has become the center of a renewed debate regarding its preservation. Recent heavy rainfall in Agra has led to the discovery of multiple cracks and damage on the walls and floors of the historic mausoleum, raising concerns about the adequacy of its maintenance.
A report by the Times of India highlights the extent of the deterioration. Shakeel Chauhan, the national general secretary of the Tourist Guide Federation of India, noted that the doors surrounding the main dome, inscribed with verses from the Quran in Arabic, are showing signs of wear and tear. The intricate pietra dura technique, which uses inlaid semi-precious stones, is also succumbing to the ravages of time. Chauhan further observed that stones have chipped off the floor in front of the royal mosque, and damage is visible on parts of the main mausoleum and the iconic dome’s walls.
Despite these observations, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has assured the public that there are no serious structural issues affecting the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ASI maintains that the funds allocated for the Taj Mahal’s maintenance are regularly audited, and no concerns have been raised in these audits.
However, the recent damage comes on the heels of criticism directed at the government regarding the Taj Mahal’s upkeep. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, in a recent statement, questioned the maintenance of the monument, calling for it to be a “living and active” example rather than just a “monument.” He pointed to a viral video showing a plant sprouting from the Taj Mahal’s dome, expressing concern that the roots could lead to cracks. Yadav also highlighted other concerns, such as possible rusting of the metal urn on the main dome, water dripping from the dome, and reports of plants growing on it. He criticized the BJP government and its departments for failing to maintain the monument, which attracts tourists from around the globe.
The recent water seepage on the main dome, attributed to incessant rains, has added fuel to the fire. While ASI officials maintain that the arched roof was not damaged, the incident further underscores the need for proactive and comprehensive maintenance measures to ensure the Taj Mahal’s long-term preservation for generations to come.
