When Taj Mahal Was Camouflaged

Have you wondered how the rich heritage of India survived when wars and attacks took place? Well, they weren't like tiny people that could be hiding anywhere. But they did escape from the eyes of the airplane-borne bombers and fighter planes. Monuments were covered, or the proper term to use here would be "camouflaged."

When Taj Mahal Hid Under Bamboos; Image Source: ScoopWhoop

<p>There are several reasons why India is an exciting nation to visit, whether you're an Indian or a foreigner. Our country's rich history and tradition may be seen in the majestic palaces, forts, minarets, temples, and cathedrals that dot the landscape. These architectural wonders reveal a great deal about India's history, culture, religion, and artistry.</p><p><br></p><p>Out of all the country's wonders, the Taj Mahal is one of the most fantastic paradises on earth. The marble mausoleum, built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Shah Jahan, is an absolute delight.</p><p><br></p><p>Even amidst the hustle and bustle of tourists coming and going, the resplendent structure stands in its serenity, remembering a time gone by. During the Mughal Empire's reign, Agra was known for its elegance and sophistication, with longboats gliding down the Yamuna River through quadrilateral gardens perfumed with jasmine and oleander. But, once the Mughals relocated to Delhi in 1648, Agra became industrialized, congested, and dirty in the following centuries. With time, the shine and splendor of the Taj Mahal began vanishing.</p><p><br></p><p>But did you know that the Taj Mahal would have been blown to dust if the British had not protected it from the eyes of the Japanese and German? Yes, you heard it right. The British were the ones to save the Taj Mahal from its destruction at the hands of the other invaders.</p><p><br></p><p>During those days, the Taj Mahal was susceptible to destruction during wars and attacks due to its shine and brilliance that could be seen from miles away. Thus, protecting the natural heritage of India was not only a big concern for the Indians but also for the British.</p><p><br></p><p>In 1942, when World War II broke out, the British felt that the Taj Mahal was highly vulnerable to bombing by the Japanese and German troops. To mislead the troops and their fighter planes, the British decided to construct a bamboo framework around the top section of the monument so that people flying above it saw it as nothing but a pile of bamboo stacked together.</p><p><br></p><p>But how did people come to know about this? Some photographs surfaced in public showing the Taj Mahal's look after it was covered with bamboo. This photograph was not in much circulation since it was a top secret of India to protect its beloved monument.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

Saving A Symbol Of Past; Image Source: ScoopWhoop

<p>Taken by John C. Byron Jr. while he was fishing in the pond just outside the monument, we can also see two other men named Ray Cherry and Anthony J. Scopelliti observing his photography skills. In fact, one can see these two men's initials engraved on the dome's outer part. It is said that they had themselves engraved it while repairing the bamboo framework.</p><p><br></p><p>However, the bamboo cover was not a one-time occurrence during the decade. The monument was again covered in the 1950s when war was waged between India and Pakistan. But second, bamboo sticks were not used to cover the Taj Mahal. The Archaeological Survey of India took proper measures to cover the entire monument with a dark green and black striped cloth.</p><p><br></p><p>Local clothiers in Agra were sewing more than 400 meters of khaki, black, and green fabric to be hung across the famed love monument. The material was so humongous that it covered the monument and the four minarets that stood around it. Bunkers were also built around the Taj Mahal for the armed guards who were responsible for protecting the monument from any impending harm.</p><p><br></p><p>Explaining the actions of ASI, the tourism official MS Juyal said: "The Taj may be seen from as far as 40 kilometers (24 miles) away, especially on moonlight evenings. It may be a target."</p><p><br></p><p>Today, the Taj Mahal stands in all its glory, waiting for the tourists who come every day to witness its serenity and calmness. Would we still look at the monument today if the clever bamboo scaffolding had not been installed during those stormy times? Who can say?</p>