Did you know that Shah Jahan once planned to build another Taj Mahal in his empire?

The Taj Mahal is renowned for its exceptional architecture that infuses elements from various influences around the world, including the magnificence of Mughal, Persian, and Islamic architectural styles.

Shah Jahan, the reigning emperor of the Mughal Empire, had been plagued with sadness following the death of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. And so, as a parting gift to her, the mourning emperor commissioned the construction of a grand mausoleum made of white marble.

Upon completion, the Taj Mahal stood on the banks of the Yamuna River, impressing those who gazed at its marvelous façade glimmering under the bright sun. A reflective pool enhanced its perfections, but it was the mausoleum’s symmetrical design that captivated many. The symmetry could be seen in each corner of the complex except for Mumtaz Mahal’s extravagant tomb chamber—the symmetrical design was broken when Shah Jahan’s cenotaph was added years later.

Some said it was intentional, while others claimed Shah Jahan never intended to be buried beside his wife. Legend has it that the emperor was planning to build another mausoleum for himself that mirrored the Taj Mahal; it was to be placed across from the Taj Mahal and made of black marble. However, whether this is true remains a debate. Ancient sources contradict each other, which can be confusing for curious readers.

But that is about to change. With this all-new history audiobook, you can easily explore the gripping events that led to the construction of the Seven Wonders of the New World.

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Release date

Audiobook: 3 November 2023