A Gem in a Garbage Dump

Few things can compare to the feeling you get when walking through the gates of the Taj complex and you witness that first glimpse of the huge, white marble palace. It is an amazing view, one not unfamiliar to thousands of people across the world. It is a monument that almost everyone is familiar with, and is thought to be one of the most beautiful building constructions on earth. This is undeniable. You cannot help but to stop and think of what went into this incredible piece of engineering to make it into what we see today. Its achievements surpass some of the finest pieces of architecture across Europe. And so, when you look at it in all its glory in the millions of pictures that have captured it, you some what expect it to be the epicentre and the pinnacle of a great city, designed around its prestige.

Taj Mahal

This couldn’t be further from the truth!!!

I suppose this is the exact reason why all images of this city focus almost solely on the beauty of the Taj. The feelings you get in Agra are no different from any other large Indian city that I have visited. It is hot, dry, busy, and smelly, and there isn’t a street you can take where touts won’t pester you. It would seem that Agra exists as a city solely for the purpose of tourism, and so I would argue that it lacks the charm and culture that many other cities in India possess.

In fairness though, the Taj Mahal is not the only tourist attraction in Agra, but if it weren’t for the Taj, Agra probably wouldn’t be on the tourism map. Agra Fort holds its own charm, and one can spend hours wondering through this magnificent site, yet the moment you step out of the fort gates it seems as though all hell has once again broken loosen.

Gazing onto Agra Fort

It’s easy to look at the Taj and think what a marvellous achievement it is and how beautiful it is, but the background behind it is for me very sad. Not just the sad story of how the king who built it for his wife was locked away in prison before it was completed, but the very reason for building it in the first place. For me it is a story of power and greed. That such a massive and elaborate construction could be built for one lady sounds romantic. But all that at the cost of thousands of exploited peoples lives. The Taj really is beautiful, but unlike some of the other forts and palaces in nearby Rajasthan, it is not somewhere that you can just step back and absorb its history.

If you are visiting Agra make sure you don’t stay for more than one night. This is definitely not a town for shopping or simply taking in the local city culture. This is a town to see the Taj and get out. 

Navratri Festivities Begin