Mehtab Bagh, meaning Moonlight Garden, in Agra is highly popular among the photography aficionados. Most of the tourists visit Taj Mahal during dawn hours to view it at the time of sunrise. Supposedly Taj Mahal looks most beautiful during morning hours. But discerning viewers claim that during sunset Taj Mahal offers quite spectacular & memorable view from Mehtab Bagh, across River Yamuna. Mehtab Bagh is located on the left bank of river Yamuna opposite to the Taj Mahal. The garden complex is a huge square measuring approximately 300m X 300m and in straight alignment with the Taj Mahal.
The excavation has revealed a huge octagonal tank on the southern periphery, ‘baradaris’ or pavilion on the east and west, a small octagonal tank at the center and a gateway at the northern wall. During excavation at the site 25 fountains, tanks, pavilions, black marble plinth and Aurangzeb’s letter to Shah Jahan stating devastating flood in 17th century were unearthed. The black marble structure, as per some historians, was an attempt by Shah Jahan to build Taj Mahal-like building, before he was captivated by Aurangzeb. In order to prevent continuous erosion due to flow of Yamuna, more than 25 species of erosion-resistant plants have been planted here. With the passage of time, Mehtab Bagh has started pulling a sizeable number of tourists. It is about 12 kms from the Agra city centre.
History of Mehtab Bagh
Although the width of the garden is aligned with the width of Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh was not built for Taj Mahal, it was literally the opposite. This garden has been in the city, several centuries before Taj Mahal appeared. This as the garden built in 16th century by Babur. This garden was tagged as the ‘moonlit pleasure garden’. This garden has kept its beauty for several centuries as; even Shah Jahan admired the garden. From this spot, he chose the right spot for his Taj Mahal.
This garden was originally designed to be a Persian styled Char bagh Complex. This original design had reflecting pools, pavilions, water fountains and much more. However, in the early 20th century, due to the floods of River Yamuna, the garden was damaged and turned into nothing by a large pile of sand.
By the end of the century, when the garden was almost forgottenand the archaeological department evacuated the spot to find the ground work for the rumored ‘Black Taj Mahal’. However, they found the Charbagh complex buried under the sand. Today, ASI is striving to replicate and bring the garden to its ancient glory. Citrus trees, guava trees, hibiscus and other trees local to Mughal reign are planted in the region.
Architecture of Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is a typical Mughal styled garden with four garden layout. The garden is square shaped and measures 300 meters on each side. According to the inscriptions found on the site of the garden, there were many gardens aligned to this, but did not survive the passage of time.
The compound of the garden is made of a mixture of red sandstone cladding, brick and lime plaster. The walls are 289m height. The domed tower inside the garden is made with red sandstone and is octagonal in shape. It is believed that the garden had four towers, one on each corner. However, only the tower on the southeast side remains. There is a small Dalit shrine near the entrance, on the riverside. The main element of the garden is a large octagonal pond, which is located to the south of the garden. This pond reflects the image of Taj Mahal on it. This pool is fed by a stepped waterfall from the northern part of the garden.
On the eastern side of the garden, there is a large water tank. The water channels cover the garden, making it possible for every inch of the garden to be flourished. You can find baradaris on the west and east side of the garden. There are two ruined structures in the garden, which is assumedas decorated garden pavilions of the past. The west of the garden holds aqueduct, which feeds the garden.
Recently, many nurseries of varying plants are added including a temple, statues and others. The nurseries are a part of the four-year restoration plan of ASI. The types of plants are chosen by Harvard’s Graduate School of Design based on the research of the plant species, which populated this garden in the ancient times.