1632: Construction begins by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal.
1648: Main mausoleum completed (22 years, 20,000+ workers).
1658: Shah Jahan deposed by son Aurangzeb; imprisoned in Agra Fort with view of Taj.
1857: British soldiers loot jewels, damage inlays during Indian Rebellion.
1908: Lord Curzon orders major restoration (marble cleaning, garden replanting).
1983: UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.
1997: Princess Diana visits alone; iconic "lonely bench" photo.
2002: Closed months after terrorist threat.
2018: #1 on TripAdvisor's World's Best Landmarks.
2020–21: COVID-19 closures.
Today: 7–8 million visitors/year. Symbol of love, Mughal artistry, and India's heritage.
Wanderlust World