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Agra Red Taj Mahal: Unveiling a Hidden Gem of Love and History

When you think of Agra, the Taj Mahal is likely the first image that comes to mind. However, few people are aware that there are actually two Taj Mahals in Agra.
The first is the world-renowned monument made of white marble, while the second is the lesser-known yet equally stunning Red Taj Mahal.
Situated near Bhagwan Talkies in the Christian cemetery, this red Taj Mahal is also under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India. According to historian Raj Kishore Raje, "This building is behind Bhagwan Talkies in Agra and is under the protection of ASI. There is a very old Christian cemetery, in which the first grave was made in 1640 by a goldsmith."
Although smaller and less renowned, the red Taj Mahal holds its own significance in history. While the white Taj Mahal was constructed by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Begum Mumtaz Mahal, the red Taj Mahal was built by an Englishman. Raje further explains, "He had made a promise to his wife that whoever dies first, the other will build the Taj Mahal in their memory. When John William died, his wife got it built. It is made of red stone. It's very beautiful. It is a small replica of the Taj Mahal."
Though not as widely recognized as its white counterpart, the red Taj Mahal carries with it a fascinating and untold love story.