Who was the first owner of land on which Taj Mahal is built, not Shah Jahan, land was owned by….

There is no doubt that Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. The mausoleum has been recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The 17-century Mughal structure was built by emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal attracts lakhs of tourists every year and it is also among the most visited monuments globally. Despite its mesmerising beauty, the Taj Mahal is full of mysteries. Do you know who was the first owner of the land on which the Taj Mahal is built? Let’s know.

Mirza-Raja Jai Singh’s Residence

The land chosen for the Mughal architecture was the residence of Mirza-Raja Jai Singh (Kachwaha Rajputs of Amber). Abdul Hameed Lahori’s Padshahnama describes Jai Singh’s residence as a magnificent domed building.

Donated “Piece of Land”

As per Qazvini’s Padshahnama, Jai Singh donated a “piece of land” for the Taj Mahal. Earlier, there was a “house” of Singh’s grandfather Raja Man Singh.

As per primary Mughal sources, Kachwahas owned the property on which Shah Jahan planned to build the Taj Mahal. The land first belonged to Man Singh and was then passed on to his grandson Jai Singh.

Jai Singh Was Willing To Hand It Over To The Emperor

Historical accounts suggest that Jai Singh’s transfer of the property to Shah Jahan was a demonstration of allegiance to the emperor.

Shah Jahan Gives Jai Singh Four Villa Accommodations

To compensate Jai Singh for riverfront land, Shah Jahan granted him four villas. These properties were previously owned, reportedly, by Raja Bhagwandas, Madho Singh, Rupsi Bairagi, and Chand Singh (son of Suraj Singh).

Property Deal Between Shah Jahan And Jai Singh

Historical records, including official Mughal decrees, Lahori’s Padshahnama, Qazwini’s writings, and other sources, corroborate the completion of the property transaction between Shah Jahan and Jai Singh.

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