Two different takes on the Taj Mahal

John Shors’ article, “An Enduring Monument to the Power of Love” [Traveler’s Journal, Oct. 17], was interesting. The Taj Mahal is definitely one of the most remarkable buildings in the world. However, behind the beauty lies a painful and ugly history. It took 20,000 people more than 22 years to build this dream mausoleum, and legend has it that the masons had their hands amputated after it was completed [supposedly to ensure that the masterpiece would never have a rival].

To me it does not symbolize the power of love but rather egotistical vision at the expense of the common people.

Soumitra Sarkar

Arcadia

*

The Taj Mahal is even more special by moonlight. The structure glows with an otherworldly luminescence. The glow also reflects off the river next to it, causing the entire area to shimmer in the moonlight.

Besides, the Taj Mahal was an excellent place to be inside when the outside temperature was well over 100 degrees in the summer. The cool, white marble of the interior kept us comfortably chilled. We sat on the floor marveling at the tombs of the two lovers, side by side through eternity.

Dan Gershon

Los Angeles