Taj Mahal is a world renowned monument built by 17th century Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Many centuries later, a school teacher from Madhya Pradesh in India has erected an elaborate replica of the monument, which is listed as one of the seven wonders of the world, as a symbol of love for his wife.

According to reports, it took three years and the skills of many engineers, artisans and contractors for Anand Prakash Chouksey, 52, to build the two-storeyed residence for his 48-year-old Manjusha.

The lavish residence, which is about one-third the size of Taj Mahal, includes a 29-foot high dome, four minarets on the outside, four bedrooms, a kitchen, a library, and a dedicated meditation room, among others.

Anand reportedly visited Taj Mahal many times to study it in details, after which he commissioned engineers to conjure 3d visuals of the structure to replicate it.

Works on the residence began in 2018, and the project is so detailed that the marble used in it is the same as the one used in the real Taj Mahal.

Anand is reportedly surprised that his labour of love for his wife had gone viral or make headlines, as he did not anticipate it to happen that way.

However, he is happy that his efforts are being appreciated and hopes the replica will attract locals and tourists who can't visit the real Taj Mahal in Agra, to his town in Burhanpur.

According to Anand, his wife Manjusha is just happy that she now has a dedicated meditation room, where she can have some peace and quiet.


Source: The Indian Express
Photo source: The Indian Express, Republic World, The Bhopali page