Bangladesh -- New Taj Mahal
new Taj at Sonargaon- Bangladesh
From old to young, from children to parents, there is no one who does not know about the Taj Mahal at Agra. The majestic building in Agra was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for the love of his wife, Mumtaj Mahal. Since then, it has become a darling of tourists. Indian tourist industry reaps a lot from the Taj. A foreigner who comes to India definitely goes to see the majestic Taj.
Three centuries have passed since the Taj was built. The construction of the building "of and for love" took around 11 years to complete (1632-1643). No one has ever tried to imitate the historic structure, because it is hard to do so. However, Bangladesh is so impressed with the icon of Mughal magnificence that it is constructing its own Taj. The brain behind the Bangladesh Taj says that it is difficult for the poor Bangladeshis to visit India, so he wants to create a replica of the Taj in his country itself. Yet, the building being built in Bangladesh is just another building. Here I must say that I am not trying to look down upon Bangladesh. I am just giving my views, because I feel that there can be no equivalent of the Taj Mahal. Agra's Taj Mahal is a magnificient work of Persian and Mughal architecture, drapped in complete marble, erected on stone, with the unique calligraphy adding to its beauty.
The symbol of love and white color, the color of purity, drapes the entire building. The building also houses its mentor and his mistress. Yes, the tombs of Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal house the lower chamber of the building.
It is next to impossible to imitate Taj Mahal. I respect the Bangladeshi mind-set and respect for Taj. It has been five years since construction of the Bangladesh Taj started. The building is still under construction. Marble and diamonds have been imported from Italy and Belgium. The building is the brainchild of Bangladeshi filmmaker Ahsanullah Moni. It has already cost him $58 million, hoping that his Taj, near Dhaka, will also attract foreigners, in return becoming another mode of income. He said he wanted to dedicate his Taj to the martyrs -- Mukti Bahini -- of the Liberation War , 1971. All those who won freedom for the country from the clutches of Pakistan.
The building is still under construction and it has started attarcting criticism. The first to cirticise is India. India says that no one has the right to copy a building of historical importance.
Let us see what is in store for the new Taj at Sonargaon, Bangladesh.
