Archaeologists have begun underwater excavations of what is believed to be an ancient city and parts of a temple uncovered by the tsunami off the coast of a centuries-old pilgrimage town.

An urgent investigation was ordered today after reports that one of the four minarets of the 17th century Taj Mahal – India’s fabled monument to love – has tilted slightly.

The Indian federal government has ordered a state-run company building a tourist complex near the Taj Mahal to stop work because the project violates laws protecting the 17th century monument, reports said today.

India's massive earthquake has struck a culturally-rich region, razing ancient mosques and palaces to the ground and burying priceless relics.

Three tourists have been charged with breaking into the Taj Mahal after finding it closed for the first time ever on a Friday.