- Video claims to show forbidden underground burial chamber of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal
- The clip was first recorded in 2023 by a CISF jawan and later removed by ASI
- The original graves are closed to visitors except during Shah Jahan's annual Urs
Taj Mahal Inside Viral Video: A video recently surfaced on social media, claiming to reveal the underground burial chamber of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal inside the Taj Mahal - one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites and celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The now-deleted clip shows a dimly lit staircase descending into the forbidden chamber, with the classic Bollywood song 'Jo Wada Kiya Woh Nibhana Padega' playing in the background. It soon stirred curiosity across the internet about how someone managed to enter this restricted zone.
The Viral Video That Sparked Curiosity:
The video, reloaded on the Instagram page of dinbhar_bharat_ shows a narrow staircase leading to the real graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, a section that is usually sealed off to visitors. Set to the nostalgic 1963 Bollywood track, the visuals captured global attention. Soon, the footage started doing the rounds across multiple platforms, with many believing it to be a recent breach inside the Taj Mahal's restricted chamber.
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How Social Media Reacted To The Clip?
Reportedly, netizens expressed a mix of surprise, nostalgia and concern. Some recalled that the chamber was once accessible decades ago.
"I visited Taj Mahal around 1994-95, this area was open," wrote one user. Another commented, "I have seen this too back in the day."
Others raised questions about security and how the person managed to film in a restricted zone. One user posted: "Now there is news for 2025... the pride of India, Taj Mahal," reflecting both amazement and national pride.
What The Archaeological Survey Of India (ASI) Clarified?
Prince Bajpai, Senior Conservation Assistant at the Taj Mahal under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), clarified that the viral footage is not recent. He explained that it was first recorded in 2023 by a CISF jawan who uploaded it on Instagram. The ASI intervened at that time and ensured the video was taken down, reads an India Today report.
The newly viral version is the same old clip - resurfaced with the Bollywood song added as a background track.
He also emphasised that the original graves are not open to visitors throughout the year. They are made accessible only for three days during Shah Jahan's Urs (death anniversary).
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Why The Taj Mahal's Underground Chamber Is Restricted?
The underground chamber of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal holds immense historical and cultural value. The sanctity of these original tombs is preserved by restricting entry. While replicas of the cenotaphs are visible in the main mausoleum, the actual graves remain closed to the public except during the annual Urs.
This practice ensures that the Taj Mahal's delicate structure and heritage remain protected for future generations.
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Taj Mahal - A Global Icon That Needs Protection
The Taj Mahal, commissioned in 1632 by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is more than a monument. It is a symbol of eternal love. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed among the Seven Wonders of the World, it attracts millions of visitors every year.
Incidents like the resurfacing of this old video highlight the importance of vigilance and respect for heritage sites.
