Shah Jehan has been a character of opposing reputation. Ascending the throne through fratricide and marrying numerous times, his professed love for one of his wives, Mumtaz Mahal is now a stuff of lore. Taj Mahal has become the symbol of love for all ages. The Taj stands fragrant like a lotus amidst a life time of bloodshed (first of his own brothers and then being witness to the same among his sons), brutality (having the artisans'thumbs cut off to ensure no one again creates a Taj) and pomposity (bleeding what would be called tax payer's money today in building a personal expression of grandeur)
In his old days, he was incarcerated in the Agra Fort restricted to just seeing his beloved monument, before he was blinded. This picture captures his perspective. Modern day has added a bit of pollution in the air, the rest remaining the same as then.
