The Taj Mahal's minarets lean outward on purpose
The Taj Mahal's minarets subtly lean outward, a clever 17th-century design to protect the main dome from earthquake damage by ensuring any collapse falls away.
The Taj Mahal's four towering minarets are deliberately tilted outward, a brilliant architectural safeguard. This 17th-century design ensures that if an earthquake were to strike, the 40-meter-tall structures would fall away from the central dome, protecting the pristine white marble mausoleum and the tombs within. This foresight highlights the advanced engineering of architects like Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who anticipated seismic risks without modern tools. This blend of aesthetic perfection and practical safety makes the UNESCO World Heritage Site a marvel of design, drawing millions to witness its beauty and resilience.