Legal tussle surrounding Taj Mahal: Claims of Hindu temple origin persist
The Taj Mahal is once again embroiled in a legal dispute, with a plea in the Allahabad High Court challenging an Agra trial court's refusal to survey the monument. Petitioners claim the 17th-century tomb is actually 'Tejo Mahalaya', a Hindu temple, and seek permission for Hindus to offer prayers. This is not a new claim; P.N. Oak first made such assertions in 1965, which were rejected by the Supreme Court in 2000. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has consistently maintained that the Taj Mahal is a 17th-century tomb, with its construction technology and design dating to that period, despite persistent attempts to reinterpret its historical origins.
Key Points
- A legal challenge in the Allahabad High Court claims the Taj Mahal is a Hindu temple, 'Tejo Mahalaya', not a tomb.
- Petitioners seek a survey of the monument and permission for Hindus to offer prayers.
- Similar claims by P.N. Oak in 1965 were rejected by the Supreme Court in 2000.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unambiguously states the Taj Mahal is a 17th-century tomb.
- The ongoing legal tussle highlights persistent attempts to reinterpret the monument's historical origins despite official and judicial rejections.
Exam Facts
- The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
- P.N. Oak published 'Taj Mahal is a Temple Palace' in 1965.
- The Supreme Court rejected Oak's claim in 2000.
- The Allahabad High Court issued notices to the Centre and ASI regarding the recent plea.
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