In the heart of Burhanpur, a quaint city in central India’s Madhya Pradesh state, stands an architectural marvel—a scaled-down yet breathtakingly elegant replica of the iconic Taj Mahal. Unlike the original, which was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum for his beloved queen, this modern-day Taj is a living, breathing home. A testament to love, dedication, and artistry, this masterpiece was envisioned and created by 52-year-old businessman Anand Prakash Chouksey as a gift for his wife of 27 years, Manjusha.
A Grand Gesture of Love
For centuries, the Taj Mahal has symbolized eternal love, drawing millions of visitors from across the world. Inspired by its timeless beauty, Mr. Chouksey embarked on a mission to bring its essence to his own town—not just for his wife, but as a gift to the entire community.
“It was a gift for my wife but also for the town and its people,” he told the BBC.
His home, nestled within a sprawling 50-acre estate that also houses a hospital, has quickly become a local sensation, attracting a steady stream of visitors eager to witness this grand labor of love. The price of such devotion? A staggering 20 million rupees (£199,000; $260,000).
A Modern Take on a Historic Icon
The original Taj Mahal, completed in the 17th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most admired architectural wonders. Adorned with pristine white marble and intricate latticework, it once drew up to 70,000 tourists daily before the pandemic.
Mr. Chouksey’s home, while inspired by the grandeur of Shah Jahan’s creation, has been reimagined for modern living.
“The interiors are not strictly Islamic in design but are infused with contemporary influences,” he explained.
The house features:
- Two luxurious bedrooms, one on each floor, offering breathtaking views of the estate.
- A library, filled with books and quiet corners for reflection.
- A meditation room, designed to bring peace and serenity amidst the chaos of daily life.
- A grand drawing room, boasting marble columns, a curving staircase, and an opulent gilded ceiling.
Every inch of the house is adorned with intricate flower motifs on the walls and floors, while the large lattice windows allow natural light to dance through its halls, creating an ethereal glow reminiscent of the real Taj Mahal.
A Labor of Passion and Precision
Building this monument of love took more than just money—it required dedication, patience, and an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.
For three years, Mr. Chouksey and his wife made countless visits to Agra, meticulously studying the various elements of the Taj Mahal. From its domes to its detailing, no stone was left unexamined. Complementing their real-world research, they also sifted through numerous 3D images online to perfect the finer aspects of the structure.
To make the home a practical living space while maintaining its regal allure, engineers scaled it down to one-third of the Taj Mahal’s actual size. The result? A home that seamlessly blends history with modernity, grandeur with intimacy.
A Home Open to All
While the house is a private residence, its beauty is too magnificent to keep hidden. Mr. Chouksey welcomes visitors to admire the structure from the outside, and on special occasions, he allows guests inside to marvel at the interiors.
“People walk in the lawns and click pictures,” he said. “A lot of people have also started to do their pre-wedding shoots here. I don’t stop them because in our town, we are a close-knit community where everyone knows everyone. So, my house is open for all.”
However, he maintains a boundary, ensuring that while the monument remains a symbol of love for the community, it also serves as a sanctuary for his family.
A Deeper Message of Love
While the house itself is a breathtaking tribute to his wife, for Mr. Chouksey, it represents something far greater than personal affection.
“Today, there is a lot of hate in our country. People are being divided in the name of religion and caste,” he lamented.
India has witnessed increasing social and religious polarization in recent years. Even the original Taj Mahal, a beacon of artistic and historical significance, has been subjected to political controversies. In 2017, a lawmaker from India’s ruling party, the BJP, went so far as to call the Taj a “blot on Indian culture” and a product of “traitors.”
Mr. Chouksey, however, refuses to let such divisions define his world.
“I wanted to spread love in such distressing times,” he explained. “And this house, for me, is a symbol of that love—one which goes beyond our social differences and the political noise.”
A Love Story That Lives On
Mr. Chouksey’s Taj Mahal is not just a house—it is a story, a statement, and an enduring testament to love in all its forms. It stands tall, not just as a symbol of his devotion to his wife but as a message of unity, peace, and resilience in a world often divided.
In a time where grand gestures of love are often limited to fleeting moments on social media, Mr. Chouksey has immortalized his in marble and stone. And like the original Taj Mahal, his story, too, will be told for generations to come.