Taj Mahal gates get facelift

Archaeologists and conservationists have begun giving a facelift to the massive gates of the Taj Mahal to repair weather damage to the 17th-century monument, a symbol of India and a crucial tourist attraction.

Two of the three stone gates, decorated with black and white marble slabs, were being repaired and restored with the help of local stone carvers and masons, an official said today.

“The southern gate and the main gate of the Taj Mahal needed restoration involving the engraving of intricate designs to match the original 17th-century decorative motifs,” Rohit Bhalla of the Archaeology Department of India said.

“At present, they are working to strengthen and restore the gates,” Bhalla said.

The Taj Mahal, built by Mogul Emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, houses the graves of the Muslim emperor, his wife and other Mogul royalty.

The white marble-domed monument is among India’s most popular historical sites. Each year, about three million tourists visits the world’s most famous monument to love.

However, pollution and weather have decayed and worn the gates.

“Worn-out stones and marble plates are being repaired or replaced,” Bhalla said. “Some of these stones will be replaced by new ones as a part of restoration work.”

The restoration work was expected to be completed by March, Bhalla said.

The Taj Mahal is in the northern city of Agra, about 130 miles south-east of India’s capital, New Delhi.