Treasures of the Indus Season 1 Episode 2 The Other Side of the Taj Mahal

The Other Side of the Taj Mahal is the second episode of the first season of the documentary series Treasures of the Indus. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey to explore the lesser-known side of the world-famous Indian monument, the Taj Mahal.

The episode starts with a glimpse of the Taj Mahal from a distance and its grand beauty, which is renowned worldwide. With its white marble gleaming in the sunlight, the Taj Mahal has been widely regarded as a symbol of love, an architectural masterpiece, and a wonder of the world. As viewers might know, it was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who passed away during childbirth in 1631. But, what is the other side of this magnificent monument, and why do very few people know about it?

To uncover this side of the Taj Mahal, the host of the show, Sona Datta, meets with experts and locals who have an intimate knowledge of the area around the monument. She discovers that the complex houses several structures other than the Taj Mahal itself, built during the Mughal rule. The vast open space in front of the Taj is known as the Charbagh, which means four gardens, and it is a Persian-style garden, replicated exactly twice - once to the east and once in the west of the Taj Mahal.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are taken on a journey to discover the lesser-known monuments in the Taj complex, such as the Mehtab Bagh - a moonlit garden across the Yamuna River - which offers a breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal. Apart from that, Sona also explores the tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj. Though it is small in size, it is known to be the precursor to the Taj Mahal, as it was built twenty years before the Taj, and served as an inspiration for it.

The host has the opportunity to meet with skilled artisans who have inherited the workmanship that was created by their ancestors who built the Taj Mahal. They share their personal stories and secrets behind their craft, expressing their passion and pride in working on such an iconic monument.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers understand that there is much more to the Taj Mahal than the iconic white marble of the mausoleum itself. The show beautifully uncovers the Taj Mahal complex's hidden gems while also reminding viewers that the monument is still inspiring millions of people worldwide, and its legacy continues to astound and delight people to this day.

In conclusion, The Other Side of the Taj Mahal is a captivating episode that takes viewers on a journey of discovery to uncover the lesser-known jewels of the Taj Mahal complex. With rich storytelling, stunning visuals, and insightful discussions with experts and locals, the episode provides a fresh perspective on an iconic monument that has fascinated people worldwide for centuries.