Taj Mahal makeover

The Taj Mahal was cleaned up using various remedies ahead of the US President Donald Trump’s visit. The historical monument has been degrading due to the effects of pollution.

• What is ‘Fuller’s Clay’ that was used on the Taj Mahal?

Fuller’s Clay is commonly called ‘Multani Mitti’. It is an absorbent clay material mainly composed of hydrous aluminium silicate minerals. The use of multani mitti in India has been traced back to 1879. It was mainly used by cosmetic sector. It is also used in decontamination, treatment of poisoning, etc.

• What the purpose of ASI’s ‘Fuller’s Clay mud pack treatment’ of Taj Mahal?

The Archaeological Survey of India uses fuller’s clay mud pack treatment to remove the yellowish stains on the Taj Mahal. It is a painstaking process in which it’s applied as a paste to the marble. It absorbs grime, bird dropping and grease from the marble. It is then washed off with distilled water.

• What are the causes behind the discoloration of the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal has been discolouring over the years mainly because of air pollution- especially in the Taj Trapezium Zone. Earlier it turned yellowish but later turned brownish and greenish. In 1996, the Supreme Court had ordered the closure of factories near the site.

• How are insects affecting the Taj Mahal?

The Taj Mahal is facing degradation from insects also. These insects are breeding in the nearby polluted River Yamuna. Since the polluted river no longer supports any aquatic life, the insects multiply in an uncontrolled manner and attack the Taj Mahal in the evenings.