AGRA: News of the Taj Mahal in
Agra
being afflicted by
water seepage
and dampness within its main tombs of emperor
Shah Jahan
and his wife
Mumtaz Mahal
, as reported by TOI on Friday, quickly spread in India and beyond, with lovers of the monument expressing shock.The development followed a prolonged period of rainfall in Agra, after which experts from Archaeological Survey of India (
ASI
) led a comprehensive inspection of the tombs’ roof and dome.
A senior ASI official told TOI on Saturday: “Survey of the main dome was conducted using a drone.
Rust
was observed on the base of the finial. This rust formation could have led to the development of cracks in the stone, causing water seepage. Repair work will now be undertaken to prevent future water leakage. Moisture was observed inside the main tombs, indicating the possibility of a fine crack on the stones of the dome.”
Superintending archaeologist Rajkumar Patel added, “Metal swelling due to rusting developed the possibility of a hairline crack. An investigation is in progress. As the surface of the dome gets dry, the process of grouting and packing will be initiated. It will take some time for dampness to subside from the walls of the mail mausoleum.”
Interestingly, Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, purportedly had its first recorded instance of seepage way back in 1652. Then, Prince Aurangzeb wrote a long and agonising letter reporting that water was dripping from two places on the northern side of the dome.
