BBC Online :
A storm has damaged two minarets located at different entry gates of the iconic Taj Mahal in the northern Indian city of Agra.
Officials told the BBC that winds blowing at 130kmh (80mph) caused the 12ft (4m) pillars to collapse. The four longer minarets that surround the main structure remain intact.
The 17th Century mausoleum attracts about 12,000 visitors a day and is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. One of the destroyed minarets was located at the royal gate where tourists often get their first glimpse of the monument. The other was located at the southern gate.
Authorities said that work had begun to restore the damaged structures.
India’s official recorded history says that Mughal ruler Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his queen, Mumtaj Mahal.
The monument’s complex structure of white marble domes and minarets inlaid with semi-precious stones and carvings is considered the finest example of Mughal art in India
But it has suffered damage due to pollution and construction activity in recent years.
A storm has damaged two minarets located at different entry gates of the iconic Taj Mahal in the northern Indian city of Agra.
Officials told the BBC that winds blowing at 130kmh (80mph) caused the 12ft (4m) pillars to collapse. The four longer minarets that surround the main structure remain intact.
The 17th Century mausoleum attracts about 12,000 visitors a day and is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. One of the destroyed minarets was located at the royal gate where tourists often get their first glimpse of the monument. The other was located at the southern gate.
Authorities said that work had begun to restore the damaged structures.
India’s official recorded history says that Mughal ruler Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his queen, Mumtaj Mahal.
The monument’s complex structure of white marble domes and minarets inlaid with semi-precious stones and carvings is considered the finest example of Mughal art in India
But it has suffered damage due to pollution and construction activity in recent years.
