New Delhi, Dec 1: The Narendra Modi-led government on Monday said that it has found no evidence that the Taj Mahal in Agra was a Hindu temple. Union Cultural Minister Mahesh Sharma told Lok Sabha that the government didn’t find any evidence that Taj Mahal, the the 17th century Mughal monument, was a Hindu temple. Also Read - Taj Mahal And Agra Fort Reopen Today: Here Are The COVID-19 Guidelines to Follow

Replying to a query about the evidence claiming that the Taj Mahal was originally a temple, Mahesh Sharma clarified that the government has not found any evidence backing the theory of Taj Mahal was originally a place of worship for Hindus. Also Read - 2,500 Visitors in One Shift, Online Booking | Taj Mahal Set to Reopen From Monday After 6 Months

Recently, a group of lawyer filed a lawsuit claiming the Taj Mahal was originally a Shiva temple. They also demanded permission for worship for Hindus and restriction for Muslims from offering prayers at the location. Mahesh Sharma also government is aware of the suit but the controversy hasn’t affected the tourism so far. (ALSO READ: Heritage experts say no to illumination of Taj Mahal) Also Read - Unlock 4.0: Taj Mahal And Agra Fort Open Its Gates For Tourists From September 21 - Read SOPs

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located on the southern bank of the Yamuna River in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife of three, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is regarded by many as the best example of Mughal architecture and is widely recognized as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”. On 7 July 2007 it was declared one of the Seven winners of New7Wonders of the World (2000–2007) initiative in Lisbon.