Taj Mahal or ‘Tejo Mahalaya’? The legal tussle explained
The Allahabad High Court is reviewing a petition that challenges the status of the Taj Mahal, with claimants arguing it is a Hindu temple named Tejo Mahalaya. The article provides historical context on the monument's construction and notes that mainstream historians maintain it is a Mughal-era tomb.
Why it matters
The legal challenge touches on sensitive cultural and religious identity issues in India, highlighting the intersection of historical interpretation and judicial intervention.
Taj Mahal, the seventeenth-century tomb , is once again in the news. Earlier this month, the Allahabad High Court issued notices to the Centre and the Archaeological Survey of India, asking for their response to a plea challenging an Agra trial court order refusing a survey of the Taj Mahal. Following a petition filed by advocate Harishankar Jain contending that the Taj, a UNESCO World Heritage monument, is actually a Tejo Mahalaya, a Bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal passed the order.
Mr. Jain pleaded for a declaration that the Taj Mahal is a Hindu temple and sought permission for Hindus to offer prayers there. The petitioners also sought the appointment of an Advocate Commissioner to inspect the monument and carry out photography and videography.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in