This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.
On Tuesday evening, social media went into a tizzy when news arrived that one of the brass pinnacles mounted atop the four minarets at the Taj Mahal had tumbled down.
Conflicting reports added to the confusion, as all eyes turned to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the organization that protects and maintains ancient monuments and archaeological sites. While some reports stated that monkeys had stolen the minaret, others suggested that it had “shattered” into several pieces.
ANI reported that the pinnacle fell down during its beautification process.
Agra: One of the minars of Taj Mahal reportedly suffers damage while beautification for the minars was underway. pic.twitter.com/smM6JeOjD0
Finally, the ASI has dismissed all speculation and revealed that the pinnacle was removed as its structure had weakened, partly because of monkeys that managed to climb up there.
ASI's conservation assistant at Taj Mahal, Ram Ratan told the Hindustan Times: "The supporting iron rod within the minaret has become weak due to rust and it has to be replaced. Besides, fresh mortar would be used to hold the pinnacle at the top of the minaret."
Catch News reported that during the cleaning and restoration process of three of the minarets, the pinnacle on the south-west direction — located at a height of 250 feet — was removed to “protect it from monkeys”. The report also added that it was later replaced atop the minaret.
Last year, a 60kg British-era copper chandelier at the main entrance of the Taj Mahal crashed down, prompting the ASI to initiate a probe into the matter.
For several years now, with fairly long gaps in between, 'mud packs' have been applied to severely affected parts of the Taj Mahal in order to reduce the 'yellowing' caused due to the burning of garbage and dung cakes in nearby areas. Reports state that it will take about nine more years for the ASI to completely clean it.
A view of the Taj Mahal, Agra, February, 1954 (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(02 of12)
Open Image Modal
Scafoflding (of Salwood-thick bamboos locally known as ballies), erected round the main dome of the Taj ofr examination and repairs (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(03 of12)
Open Image Modal
Visit of Rt. Hon ble Mr. and Mrs. Holyoake Dy. Prime Minister of New Zealand’s to Darbarekhas, Fatehpur Sikri during their visit to India in December 5, 1955. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(04 of12)
Open Image Modal
The members of the Ceylon Parliamentary Delegation visited the Taj Mahal, Agra, during their visit in March, 1954. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(05 of12)
Open Image Modal
Mr. Eugene R. Black, President of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development with Mrs. Black, Mr. B.K. Nehru, India’s Executive Director on the Bank and others inside the Taj Mahal, Agra which he visited on February 13, 1952. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(06 of12)
Open Image Modal
Some members of the Iraqi & Turkish Women’s Goodwill Missions to India photographed with others on the lawns of the Taj Mahal at Agra, during the visit of the Mission to the monument on April 6, 1952. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(07 of12)
Open Image Modal
H.M. the King of Afghanistan looking through the mirror from Agra Fort, the reflection of the Taj Mahal, during his visit to Agra on February 18, 1958. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(08 of12)
Open Image Modal
Eleanor Roosevelt going round the Taj Mahal at Agra, which she visited on March 12, 1952. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(09 of12)
Open Image Modal
Three Apollo-17 astronauts, EA Cernan, RE Evans and HH Schmitt left New Delhi on June 21, 1973 for Singapore after their two day visit to India. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(10 of12)
Open Image Modal
Iranian Press Delegation members at the Taj Mahal, Agra on January 27, 1953. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(11 of12)
Open Image Modal
The President of Argentina, Mr. Raul Alfonsin visited Taj Mahal on Agra (UP) on January 27, 1985. (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
(12 of12)
Open Image Modal
Two members of the Iraqi Women's Goodwill Mission photographed admiring the marble screens inside the Taj Mahal at Agra (credit:Photodivision.gov.in)
-- This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.