Taj Mahal once again came into news as a huge copper and bronze chandelier in it, which is gifted by British Viceroy Lord Curzon in 1909, fell on the ground and was damaged.
The six-foot high and four-foot wide chandelier was a gift from Curzon. It was installed at the royal gate of Taj Mahal.
It is believed that when Curzon visited Agra and Fatehpur Sikri in 1905, he ordered the installation of this chandelier. He also got a Dak Bangla built at Fatehpur Sikri Fort during that time.
About Curzon
- George Nathaniel Curzon - (11 January 2025 – 20 March 2025)
- He was a British Conservative statesman who was the Viceroy of India during 6 January 2025 to 18 November 1905.
- He was a key figure in instituting the 1905 Partition of Bengal, which led to a major political crisis for the British Empire.
- He quarrelled endlessly and his arrogance and inflexibility made even more enemies.
- Critics have been negative in contrasting his enormous talents and energy on behalf of British imperialism with his mixed results and unrealized ambitions.
Curzon’s contribution to India
- However, Curzon had great interest in ancient monuments and a lot of attention was given to preserve them during his time.
- It was during his time the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act was passed in 1904.
- Jawaharlal Nehru, had paid Curzon a surprising tribute, referring to the fact that Curzon as Viceroy exhibited real love and knowledge of Indian culture, in following words:
“After every other Viceroy has been forgotten, Curzon will be remembered because he restored all that was beautiful in India.”
