Islamic trust files claim for Taj Mahal

An Islamic trust today claimed ownership of India’s Taj Mahal and demanded a slice of tourist revenue from the 17th-century monument, but the government-run group charged with its upkeep since 1920 vowed to challenge the claim in court.

The white-marble Taj Mahal – built by Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan between 1632 and 1654 for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal – should be officially recognised as belonging to the Sunni Waqf Board, said it’s chairman, Hafiz Usman.