Mehtab Bagh

Mehtab Bagh reflects typical Mughal style of architecture, with a four garden layout, square in shape and measuring 300 metres on each side. The garden compound is constructed with red sandstone, brick and lime plaster. Two major elements of the garden include the octagonal domed tower made of red sandstone inside the garden and the large octagonal pond located towards the southern side. The pond's beauty lies in the fact that it displays the reflection of Taj Mahal on it.

There is a stepped waterfall present in the north of the garden that feeds this pond. The garden is characterized with four towers, one on each corner. Out of these four, only one tower stands today, which is present towards the south-east side. There is a large water tank on the east, with many water channels covering the garden to ensure that every part of it remains flourished. There are baradaris on the west and east of the garden. The garden also houses two ruined structures which are presumed to be the garden pavilions that did not survive the passage of time. There is an aqueduct in the north that feed the garden. Another significant structure in the garden is the small Dalit shrine near the entrance. The overall architecture of Mehtab Bagh is further enhanced by the many nurseries of plants that are being added to the garden along with temples, statues and others.

Initially built in 1530 by the Mughal Emperor Babur, the striking Mehtab Bagh fell into disrepair until Shah Jahan identified it as the perfect viewing spot for the Taj Mahal and stepped up to soak in its beauty. It was then removed from the floodplains and stack of filth and converted into a “moonlit pleasure garden” in the Persian - style layout with plastered pavilions elevated walkways, ornamental fountains and pretty pools. By the early 1900s, frequent flooding and misuse of the resources reduced the once enchanting garden to an enormous pile of sand with overgrowth of weed and wild plants.

In 1994, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) surveyed the site and carried out detailed research to get to the verity about the rumoured Black Taj Mahal only to find it was a myth. Rather, the excavations unearthed an octagonal tank, 25 water fountains and a four - complex divided compartment, all suggesting the possibility of a well-established garden at the site. Later, the discovery of a letter by Aurangzeb to Shah Jahan in 1652 AD, referring to the condition of Mehtab Bagh during flood events further verify the authenticity. Today, ASI is making efforts to restore the charming spot to its original state. The imposing Mehtab Bagh is already on its way to recovery with numerous trees of citrus, guava and hibiscus, and brightly blooming seasonal flowers.