How the Britishers nearly sold the Taj Mahal and what stopped it; The untold story
The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. It attracts visitors from all over the globe, not only because of its grandeur but also due to the fascinating stories surrounding it. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Known as a symbol of eternal love, the monument has become a proud symbol of India’s heritage and magnificence.
However, there was a time when the British tried to sell this magnificent monument. In 1831, British officials attempted to auction off parts of the Taj Mahal, a move that shocked many. It was during the tenure of British Governor Lord William Bentinck that this attempt took place. As part of their plan, a section of the Taj Mahal was actually dismantled, and the marble was put up for sale.
Several reports claim that the marble from the destroyed part was auctioned, and an Indian businessman, Seth Laxmi Chand from Agra, placed the highest bid. He offered a sum of seven lakh rupees to buy the Taj Mahal, which, at that time, was considered a significant amount. However, Lord William Bentinck deemed the bid too low, leading him to cancel the auction and prevent the Taj Mahal from being sold.
The auctions
- First auction: Seth Laxmichand was the highest bidder at Rs 2 lakhs, but the offer was rejected as too low.
- Second auction: Seth Laxmichand won again with an offer of Rs 7 lakhs, but the sale was never carried out due to outrage in the British community and fear of communal riots.
This incident, though lesser-known, highlights the British attempt to commercialize one of India’s most iconic landmarks. The monument ultimately remained safe from being sold and continued to stand as a tribute to love and architectural brilliance, as it does today.