Revisiting the Taj Mahal from the Eyes of Lady Maria Nugent
Source: Dr. Richa Singh For ages, people have been captivated by the Taj Mahal, an architectural marvel that stands as a universal icon of love. Admirers from all over the world have been drawn to it by its complex intricacies and facade of white marble. Lady Maria Nugent (1771-1834), one such enthusiast and a keen observer, provides a distinct perspective on the Taj Mahal that goes beyond the archetypal tourist's look. She arrived in India in 1812 with her husband, Sir George Nugent, 1st Baronet and C ommander-in- C hief in India from 1811 to 1814 when the British East India Company was attempting to expand its sphere of influence in the region. Earlier, he served in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) as a junior officer. She wrote a journal, East I ndia Journal , recording her visits to all the places she visited during her stay in India. While explaining her intentions for writing the journal, she writes , “I keep a constant Journal of eve...