The Black Taj is a popular legend associated with Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, India. It is said that Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who built the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, had planned to build a similar black marble mausoleum for himself in Bhopal. However, the construction of the Black Taj never began as the emperor was deposed by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in the Agra Fort until his death.
The Black Taj, the legend, has captured the imagination of people for centuries. Some historians believe that the story of the Black Taj may have originated from a misunderstanding of the design plans of the Taj Mahal, which used black marble as an accent in the white marble façade. Others argue that Shah Jahan planned the Black Taj, but the construction was halted due to political turmoil.
The Black Taj has become a popular tourist attraction in Bhopal. Visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture by visiting popular attractions like the Bhojtal Lake, the Van Vihar National Park, the Upper Lake, and the State Museum of Madhya Pradesh. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, and visitors can sample local delicacies like Bhopali biryani, kebabs, and poha-jalebi.