7th wonder of the world has US President in awe, Donald Trump can't stop appreciating Taj Mahal
The monument was built over a period of nearly 20 years by Shah Jahan.
By PTI |
PTI
After Dwight David Eisenhower (1959) and Bill Clinton (2000), Trump became the third US president to visit the architectural icon.
The architectural grandeur of 17th century Taj Mahal and the story of its construction by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan left US President Donald Trump "impressed" during his visit to the famed mausoleum on Monday, according to the guide who accompanied him.
Nitin Kumar, an Agra-based guide, said the first word the president said after laying his eyes on the marble marvel was "incredible".
He and First Lady Melania Trump visited the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, the second stop on his little less than 36-hour-long trip of India, and marvelled at the Mughal-era mausoleum built as a monument of love.
After Dwight David Eisenhower (1959) and Bill Clinton (2000), he became the third US president to visit the architectural icon.
"I told them the story of the Taj Mahal, the construction, and the story behind it. President Trump got very emotional after knowing the story of Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal. How he was kept under house arrest by his own son Aurangzeb, and buried here at Taj, next to Mumtaz's grave, after his death," Kumar told reporters.
The couple was left speechless on the first sight of the monument, and showed interest when they were told about the history and architecture of the dome, and the design details, Kumar said.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Melania Trump asked about the mud-pack treatment and was amazed when she got to know the details of the process," he said.
The monument was built over a period of nearly 20 years by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife after her death in 1631. One of the most photographed sites in the world, it is always high on the itinerary of head of states visiting India.
The monument was built over a period of nearly 20 years by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife after her death in 1631.
ADVERTISEMENT
"The Taj Mahal inspires awe, a timeless testament to the rich and diverse beauty of Indian Culture!' Thank You, India," the US President and First Lady jointly wrote in the visitors' book before signing it.
According to Mohammed Zafar, who lives close to Taj Mahal complex, Nitin has been conducting guided tours for many years. "He was selected for this VVIP visit," he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
"Many people were taking selfies with him, after the end of the visit. So, many media persons interacted with him. He has got some instant fame of sorts," Zafar said.
Authorities at Archaeological Survey of India had "advanced the dates" for mud-pack treatment for the graves of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal at Taj Mahal in view of the US President Trump's visit to Taj, a senior official had earlier said.
The architectural marvel inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 is made of white Makrana marble and red sandstones, and renowned for its intricate inlay work on the stone surface.
Trump In India: Quotes Vivekanada, Mentions ‘DDLJ’ & ‘Sholay’, Kohli & Tendulkar In Speech; Khaman, Samosa On The Menu At Sabarmati
1/6
American President Donald Trump arrived in India, on Monday, for his maiden visit to the country, along with First Lady Melania Trump, daughter Ivanka, and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The Trumps kicked off the first leg of their trip with a visit to the Sabarmati Ashram and the ‘Namastey Trump’ event, organised at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Addressing a cheering crowd at the stadium with a capacity of 1.10 lakh, Trump gave a shout out to Bollywood films with a special mention of Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘DDLJ’ and Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra’s ‘Sholay’.
Talking about Bollywood, he said, “This is the country that produces nearly 2,000 movies from the hub of genius and creativity known as Bollywood”.
Adding, “All over the planet people take great joy in watching Bollywood films, bhangra, and classic films like DDLJ and Sholay.”
He also spoke about India’s other love, cricket, naming Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in his speech.
Here’s a look at what all America’s First Family has been upto ever since they set foot on Indian soil.
American President Donald Trump arrived in India, on Monday, for his maiden visit to the country, along with First Lady Melania Trump, daughter Ivanka, and son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The Trumps k..
Read More
That Modi and Trump share a close and an amicable bond with each other is well-known. From their famous, firm handshake at the G20 Summit to them hugging it out during Modi’s visit to the US, we have seen bromance between the two world leaders grow with each passing day.
So, when POTUS Donald Trump arrived at Sardar Vallabhbhai Airport in Gujarat, it was expected that the two men would show affection with each other and that’s exactly what happened.
When the Trumps walked out of the ‘Air Force One’, PM Modi welcomed the President with a warm hug. The two then walked together as they enjoyed performances by traditional dancers, organised to showcase Indian culture.
That Modi and Trump share a close and an amicable bond with each other is well-known. From their famous, firm handshake at the G20 Summit to them hugging it out during Modi’s visit to the US, we have..
Read More
The First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump and Trump’s daughter, American businesswoman Ivanka Trump also in India for the visit are known to make statements with their sartorial choices.
Stepping out of the ‘Air Force One’ at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport, Melania Trump turned heads in a white jumpsuit paired with a belt.
Meanwhile Ivanka Trump also made a statement in a blue dress with pink flowers.
The First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump and Trump’s daughter, American businesswoman Ivanka Trump also in India for the visit are known to make statements with their sartorial choices.Step..
Read More
After Trump, Modi and Melania exchanged pleasantries, they left the airport and visited the famous Sabarmati Ashram. For the unversed, Sabarmati Ashram is the place where Mahatma Gandhi spent a majority of his life. It is also the site where he started his famous Satyagrah movement.
Donald and Melania Trump spent about 15 minutes at the Ashram and even visited the room where Mahatma Gandhi spent 12 years of his life.
The First Family tried their hand at spinning the famous charkha, which went on to become one of the most famous symbols of Gandhi’s freedom movement, and also garlanded an image of the Mahatma.
PM Modi also presented a memento of Mahatma Gandhi's ‘Three Wise Monkeys’ to the US President.
Trump also signed the visitor’s book at the Ashram, writing a message for PM Modi.
“To my great friend - Prime Minister Modi, thank you for this wonderful visit!”, wrote Trump.
After Trump, Modi and Melania exchanged pleasantries, they left the airport and visited the famous Sabarmati Ashram. For the unversed, Sabarmati Ashram is the place where Mahatma Gandhi spent a major..
Read More
It would indeed be a cardinal sin to set foot on the Indian soil and not eat some of the most well-known and appreciated delicacies that the subcontinent has to offer. During their 15-minute stay in ‘Hriday Kunj’, the room in Sabarmati where Gandhi stayed, Donald, Melania, Ivanka and Jared Kushner were treated with a high-tea menu.
They were served a delectable spread of authentic Gujarati delicacies like Khaman, samosa made of broccoli and corn, chai and kaju-katli.
It wasn’t just Indian fare on offer. The spread also includes juice, assorted cookies, fortune cookies and apple pie in case the guests wanted a taste of home.
Bon appetit, indeed!
It would indeed be a cardinal sin to set foot on the Indian soil and not eat some of the most well-known and appreciated delicacies that the subcontinent has to offer. During their 15-minute stay in ..
Read More
President Trump, First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, and PM Modi arrived at the Motera Stadium in Gujarat to kickstart the ‘Namaste Trump’ event.
Trump addressed the crowd present at the stadium and spoke at length about the achievements of the Modi government - from providing electricity to villages in the country to making India a country that rises by setting its people free.
From quoting Swami Vivekananda to lauding PM Modi’s journey from a ‘Chaiwallah’ to the Prime Minister of the country, there was plenty of Hindi wordplay in Trump’s speech.
“While our nations have many differences, they are both defined and propelled by a fundamental truth, the truth that all of us are endowed with a sacred soul, as the great religious teacher, Swami Vivekananda once said, ‘the moment I stand in reverence before every human being, and seek God in him, that moment, I am free’.”
President Trump, First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump, and PM Modi arrived at the Motera Stadium in Gujarat to kickstart the ‘Namaste Trump’ event. Trump addressed the crowd present at the ..
