Why Was Agra Chosen For Taj Mahal Why Doesn't Yamuna Flood Shah Jahan Monument
Some places are remembered for the stories they hold. Agra is one such city which is home to the Taj Mahal, a monument that continues to draw admiration for its beauty, architecture and the emotion it represents. Even after centuries, it stands steady beside the Yamuna River untouched by both time or tide.
While the Yamuna River has been swelling in parts of Uttar Pradesh flooding areas like Ghaziabad and Prayagraj, the Taj Mahal in Agra seems to remain protected. So why did Shah Jahan choose Agra and the specific site to build the Taj? And how has the monument stayed unharmed despite being so close to the Yamuna?
Why Agra Was The Chosen Location
At the time the Taj Mahal was planned, Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire. It was where Shah Jahan's court was based and where access to skilled labour and raw materials was readily available.
But beyond practical reasons, the riverbank offered a natural setting that supported the monument's design and stability. The flow of the Yamuna in this region is such that it does not cause damage to the building.
A 22-Year Effort With 20,000 Workers
Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632 AD and took around 22 years to complete. It was finished in 1653. The work involved more than 20,000 artisans, architects and labourers from across regions. Built as a symbol of eternal love in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan's third and most beloved wife, it soon became one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture.
Why The Yamuna Doesn't Flood The Taj
A major reason the Taj Mahal remains protected from the Yamuna's flooding is the site's natural geography. Historians and experts believe that Shah Jahan deliberately chose a spot along a specific bend of the river. This bend helps reduce direct impact from flowing water and protects the riverbank from erosion.
The Taj is also built on a high red sandstone platform which raises the white marble mausoleum well above the usual water level. This elevation along with the natural curve of the river has helped the monument survive without major water damage for centuries.
Was A Black Taj Ever Planned?
Legend has it that Shah Jahan intended to build a second Taj Mahal, this one in black marble, directly opposite the white mausoleum, across the Yamuna River at the site of Mehtab Bagh.
The story traces back to French traveller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier who visited Agra in 1665 and wrote that Shah Jahan had begun work on his own tomb but the plan was halted by the war with his sons. After being overthrown, Shah Jahan was placed under house arrest by his successor, Aurangzeb, who reportedly had little interest in continuing his father's grand vision.
Shah Jahan's View
Shah Jahan spent his final years under house arrest in Agra Fort. From there, he would look at the Taj Mahal, possibly through a diamond fixed in the wall, and see the monument that held his wife's memory.
After his death, Shah Jahan was laid to rest beside Mumtaz Mahal inside the tomb. His casket remains the only asymmetrical element in the perfectly balanced structure.
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First Published:
August 07, 2025, 08:30 IST
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