Taj Mahal, one of the seventh wonders of the world, has surprising history which varies from dynasty to dynasty. Mughal ruler Shah jahan commissioned this monument in memory of his beloved Mum Taj, who sacrificed her life while giving the birth of baby girl who was later named Gaurhara. It is recognized as a symbol of eternal love which attracts millions of tourist to visit here, but during the British period, it has different history which most of the visitors are not aware of it. Lord William Bentick after conquering the first Anglo and Burmese war (1824-1826), found the empty treasure of East India Company, therefore, was directed by the Board of Directors to reduce the expenses or enhance the treasure by hook or by crook thus, and made a plan to dismantle the Taj Mahal by selling its marble. Without having treasure, the crown was afraid of losing the mandate.
Was Agra Fort Dismantled By Lord William Bentinck?
After assuming the office, Lord William Bentinck visited to the Agra Fort with the intention of increasing the revenue, and focused on repeating the same history that created by his ancestors Captain Taylor, vandalized the edifice of the Agra Fort to raise money by selling them or some of the pieces of it was sent to the British monarch as a gift which can be seen at the Albert Museum in London.
What Happened With The Taj Mahal?
The tenure of Lord William Bentinck was considered the worst history of this monument. During his tenure, this monument was going to be dismantled in order to raise fund, therefore, the auction was published in one the most prominent newspapers of that time the John Bull Newspaper, (the successor of this newspaper known as the statesman).
The main purpose of selling the marvel of Taj Mahal was to raise fund, therefore, auction was held first in year 1831 then in 1832, and both times, the highest bidder was Seth Lakhami Chand, bidding reached to Rs 2 lakhs first time and second time reached to Rs 7 Lakhs. The intention of the highest bidder was not to dismantle the Taj Mahal rather save this monument. His plan was successful and he could manage to save this monument.
As the news of selling the marvel spread like the wild-fire, it resulted in massive revolt against the British rule in India. Seeing the protest by local people, the monarchy had to change its decision, and the auction was cancelled.
At the beginning, the Taj Mahal was decorated with carpet and tapestries. The main door of the mausoleum was used to be decorated with silver, but later on British officials stripped the silver off the doors. Thus, it can be said that the British has left no efforts to plunder this monument during the stint of Lord William Bentinck.
Therefore, most of the historians say this monument has a sobbing history, but local people have always stood by to preserve it, as it has been witnessed many a time. The beauty of this monument is indescribable due to its architecture and geographical location which is mesmerizing. Once you gaze at it, you cannot take your eyes off it. The sobbing history of dismantle and selling its white marvel has been a blot on the name of the British.