Was the Taj Mahal almost sold off once? 5 things we did not know about our Taj

The Taj Mahal, celebrated today as an iconic symbol of India’s heritage, was not always revered in such terms. Indeed, it lures thousands of visitors every year, but during British colonial rule, officials often viewed it through a utilitarian lens, focusing on its economic rather than cultural value. A persistent story claims that Lord William Bentinck, Governor-General from 1828 to 1835, considered dismantling the monument and selling its marble. This narrative first appeared in travelogues and colonial accounts, linking financial pressures and Bentinck’s reputation as a cost-conscious administrator to the supposed plan. Reports even suggest local merchants showed interest, though public protest and weak bids allegedly halted the idea. Historians, however, find no documentary proof tha