Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is an iconic symbol of India and is considered to be one of the most beautiful structures ever built. The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, and was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year.
However, during World War 2, the Taj Mahal was in grave danger as the Agra region was strategically important and was at risk of being bombed by the Allies. To protect the Taj Mahal, the Indian government took several measures to ensure its safety.
The first measure was to camouflage the Taj Mahal. The white marble walls of the Taj Mahal were painted with a mixture of mud and straw to make it blend in with the surrounding environment. This was done to prevent the building from being seen by enemy planes flying overhead and to reduce the risk of bombing.
Another measure was to clear the surrounding area of trees and other structures that could be used as landmarks by enemy planes. This was done to ensure that the Taj Mahal was not easily visible from the air, and to reduce the risk of bombing.
The Indian government also relocated valuable artifacts from the Taj Mahal to safe locations, to protect them from damage in case of a bombing. This included priceless paintings, sculptures, and other historical items, which were moved to underground bunkers for safekeeping.
During the war, the Taj Mahal was also guarded by armed soldiers, who were tasked with ensuring its safety. The soldiers patrolled the surrounding area and monitored the skies for enemy planes, ready to take action if necessary.
Despite these measures, the Taj Mahal was never bombed during World War 2. After the war ended, the camouflage was removed and the Taj Mahal was restored to its former glory. Today, the Taj Mahal remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in India, attracting millions of visitors every year.
In conclusion, the Taj Mahal was protected during World War 2 through a combination of camouflage, clearing the surrounding area, relocating valuable artifacts, and guarding by armed soldiers. These measures ensured the safety of one of the world’s most beautiful structures and prevented it from being damaged during the war. Today, the Taj Mahal remains a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and is a testament to the country’s rich history and architectural brilliance.
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