History of the Taj Mahal vs Tejo Mahalaya

Here is a clear, factual explanation of both:

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✅ History of the Taj Mahal (Accepted by Historians)

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631.

✔ Key Historical Facts

• Construction period: 1632–1653
  
  
  
• Built by: Shah Jahan (Mughal Empire)
• Purpose: Mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal
• Architectural style: Mughal architecture (Persian, Indian, Islamic blend)
• Historical records:
  • Mughal court documents (Badshahnama)
  • Records of travelers
  • Persian inscriptions inside the building
  • Payroll accounts of workers
  • Architect names (Ustad Ahmad Lahori commonly credited)

Archaeological and historical evidence strongly supports that it was built in the 17th century by the Mughals.

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❓ Tejo Mahalaya Theory (Not Accepted by Historians)

Tejo Mahalaya is a modern claim promoted by some writers, mainly P.N. Oak, suggesting that the Taj Mahal was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

✘ Why scholars reject this theory

• No archaeological evidence of a Shiva temple beneath the Taj Mahal.
• Mughal records clearly document the construction process.
• Inscriptions inside the Taj Mahal mention Shah Jahan.
• ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) has repeatedly confirmed it is a Mughal structure.
• No historical document before the 20th century mentions a “Tejo Mahalaya.”

✓ Courts have also ruled

Indian courts (including the Allahabad High Court and Supreme Court) have stated that the Taj Mahal’s origin as a Mughal monument is well-established and the Tejo Mahalaya claim has no historical proof.

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🔍 Summary

Topic	Taj Mahal	Tejo Mahalaya
Origin	Mughal construction (1632–1653)	Temple theory proposed in 20th century
Evidence	Extensive historical + archaeological records	No verified evidence
Accepted by historians	✔ Yes	✘ No

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If you want, I can also give you:
✅ A simple explanation in Hindi
✅ A detailed timeline of Taj Mahal construction
✅ Evidence comparison between the two