File Photo: The Taj Mahal. (Associated Press)
A city-based artisan has built a replica of the historic Taj Mahal in marble on a six square feet platform to recreate the magic of the original "monument of love".
The miniature representation of one of the seven wonders of the world has been carved in Makrana marble like the original by 65-year-old Furkan Ahmed, who was helped by his son Shimal Ahmed in this venture.
The four feet high replica caught eyeballs at a recent trade fair on Parade Ground in the city as visitors marvelled at its striking resemblance with the 17th century mausoleum.
"It was my long-cherished dream to make this replica of the Taj Mahal. Finally, I could fulfil this dream of mine with my son's help. It took me nearly two years to build it at a cost of Rs 5 lakh," Mr Furkan Ahmed said.
By sculpting a mini Taj Mahal in marble, Ahmed wanted to convey to the world that there still are artisans in India who can make something as wonderful as the acclaimed world heritage site.
He used 125 pieces of Makrana marble to create the replica, which boasts of four minarets and 24 doors, like the original mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz.
Mr Furkan belongs to a family of artisans whose ancestors contributed in the construction of the Forest Research Institute building here, famous for its architectural delight.