The Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful architectural wonders in the world, is also one of the most mysterious. While millions admire its majestic white marble dome and romantic backstory, few know about the 22 locked rooms beneath it, rooms no one has entered for decades. What are they hiding, and why are they sealed off?
Beneath the stunning Chameli floor of the Taj Mahal lie 22 rooms, 4 large and 18 smaller chamber, that have remained sealed for generations. Located in the monument’s basement, these rooms are inaccessible to tourists and have been officially closed off by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This unexplored section adds an intriguing layer to the already captivating history of the Taj.
No one knows for sure why these rooms were locked, but officials claim it's to protect the structural integrity of the monument. With India’s extreme climate and the aging of the 17th-century structure, there's a fear that exploring or opening these areas could cause irreparable damage. Still, the mystery surrounding them continues to grow.
Speculation around the sealed rooms ranges from hidden treasure troves of gold and silver to ancient Mughal documents and artifacts. Some believe these chambers contain the true resting place of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan, while others see them as secret vaults with unknown spiritual or political significance.
One of the most popular theories is that the graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, which are displayed inside the Taj Mahal, are merely symbolic. Many suggest their actual tombs lie in these sealed chambers underground, untouched and protected since the Mughal era. However, this theory remains unverified due to the ASI’s strict access policies.
Some historical reports suggest that the rooms were sealed during the British colonial period, possibly when British officials were searching for valuables. It is believed that in their pursuit of hidden Mughal treasure, they may have tampered with or even looted some chambers, though this remains speculative due to a lack of documented evidence.
(Pic Credit: Wikipedia)
Interestingly, all four minarets of the Taj Mahal are believed to be connected to these underground chambers. Experts suggest these minarets were part of a well-thought-out architectural plan to support the dome while hiding access routes to the lower level. These passages have also been shut down, likely to prevent public intrusion or damage.
The ASI’s official stance is clear, opening these rooms could weaken the foundation of the Taj Mahal. Given the rise in pollution, weathering, and tourist activity, preservation has taken priority over exploration. Still, this hasn’t stopped public curiosity, and many believe we deserve to know what lies within.
In recent years, some experts have proposed using non-invasive methods like ground-penetrating radar and 3D scanning to peek inside these rooms without causing structural harm. If approved, this could finally offer answers to some of the biggest questions surrounding India’s most famous monument.
From tales of haunted tombs to buried treasure and ancient knowledge, myths about these rooms are endless. Whether fueled by history or imagination, they continue to capture global attention, inspiring documentaries, social media theories, and historical debates.
For now, the doors remain closed, and the mystery endures. Whether they hold nothing more than old architecture or secrets that could rewrite Mughal history, the 22 locked rooms of the Taj Mahal will continue to fascinate generations, perhaps even more than the monument’s visible beauty.
(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
(Pic Credits: Freepik)
(Pic Credits: Pixabay)
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