The Mughal rulers of India were the proud patrons of monumental architecture. They had built mausolea, palaces, mosques and huge gardens in which they lived for long periods of time. Each of these rulers was buried in such a mausoleum reflecting both past, present and future. Every one of them desired to commemorate the glorious past, often invented, the victorious present and the everlasting glory of the dynasty. The Taj Mahal in Agra is a fine example of such presemptions. It was built to house the earthly remains of Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of the Emperor Shah-Jahan. Or was it?

We will analyze each and every tomb looking for hidden agendas and propagandist message and we’ll also explain the unique multicultural mix of India that gave birth to such phenomenal architecture.