Taj in Tilting Trouble
Posted : October 25, 2004 at 7:24 am [IST]
“Historically, dangerous tilt in the Taj’s minarets was first noticed as early as 1942. Tilt has continued to increase over the years. This tilt is caused by the adjoining river bed being dry. The minarets are tilting at the rate of .5 inches every 25 years. The tilt is slightly more in one of the minarets, which is bent by about 8.5 inches. These figures might not mean much to the layman, but for a monument made 350 years ago, it is alarming. The foundation of the Taj is laid on a hillock and based on wells underneath which require moisture from the Yamuna’s water. The regular flow of water in the Yamuna is a must as the tilting could be a fall-out of scarcity of water in the river.”
“Conservation experts further feel that the Taj’s foundation, made of ebony, may have developed cracks or even be sinking into the earth. The fact is that the Taj’s foundation is made of wood and, at the time of its construction, the Yamuna nourished the foundation with its moisture. Now that this moisture is depleting, the wood would have started cracking and shrinking. This may even lead to the sinking of the Taj. While the change is gradual, this will definitely happen,”
“The Yamuna forms an integral part of the Taj’s design. Available historical records indicate that the Yamuna was full of water and extensively used for transportation. Even Shah Jahan’s body was brought to the Taj from Agra Fort in a boat. The Yamuna has always given the Taj balance and padded it against tectonic shocks. But now that it has dried up, the Taj has been left exposed.”
However, another expert has another view. I wish he correct. “The minarets have always been slightly inclined to save the dome from earthquakes.” Heritage consultant Amita Baig reasons that “the leaning minarets may either be an integral part of the structure or the tilt could have been caused by a natural cause long ago; all said and done, the Taj is in good health.”
But is it? Why can’t ASI come out with authentic information on it and inform the people? Why do the officials refuse to comment on the issue?
Is it technically so difficult for the nation to rescue the Yamuna to remove the doubt of the paucity of moisture that is causing the trouble? Moreover, the Yamuna full with flowing water will add to the grandeur of the Taj. Why can’t this be given as a gift to Taj in this year of 350th birth anniversary though ASI and the department concerned?
This was reported in the Delhi Times of ‘Times of India’. However, this concerns every one of India and why not. After all Taj is the brand image of India.
- Indra
Category: Government Policy/Administration |
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