The Taj Mahal Garden View May Be Restored in All its 17th-Century Glory

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS - THE TAJ MAHAL GARDEN VIEW MAY BE RESTORED IN ALL ITS 17TH-CENTURY GLORY

Thanks to the work of ethnobotanists who study the uses of plants by ancient cultures, the garden of the Mughal emperors near the Taj Mahal may bloom again. The Mehtab Bagh or "Moonlight Garden" is a 1000-square-foot garden built around the 17th century on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, India. It blossomed across the river from the Taj Mahal, the world- famous mausoleum built in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite empress.

River floodings soon disturbed the garden and neglect and abandonment followed. Today, the garden still offers a glimpse of its former splendor: domed, octagonal kiosks of red sandstone on the corners; 25 fountains at the bottom of a large two-level, octagonal pool; and a pavilion with a veranda and chambers on either side.

Elizabeth Moynihan, a noted author, architectural historian, and authority on Muhgal architecture, developed the Mehtab Bagh project for the study and potential restoration of the 17th- century garden with the financial support of the Smithsonian Institution, the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS), the Jewish Communal Fund, and the Rosenwald Foundation.

Dr. David L. Lentz, Botanist and Director of the Graduate Studies Program at The New York Botanical Garden, is part of an international interdisciplinary team which will record former structures and investigate sub-surface remains, especially floral remains of the garden, to provide a precise picture of this 17th- century garden, complete with architecture and flowers.

Principal Investigator:
Dr. David L. Lentz,
Director, Graduate Studies Program

Public Relations:
Annick Sullivan
718-817-8815

Research Highlights is a series of glimpses into the botanical research of NYBG scientists. (11/97)