Plan of Taj Gardens Taken 1908

This photograph depicts a plan of the Taj gardens from 1908, after its reorganization, with all its plots named or numbered. The marked plots include a collection of flowering gardens, a standard rose garden, conservatory, floral gardens, and much more. We also notice that the garden area has increased from 18, in 1868, to 21 sectional demarcations, each sporting a specific kind of foliage, all named in the index. Through this plan, one can gauge the sheer level of planning and schematic plotting employed by Mr. A. E. P. Griessen, who was the superintendent of the Taj gardens, to ensure that the gardens prove to be the best accessory to the monument.

This plan is a part of the Archive of Albert Edward Griessen. This collection also consists of a large drawing plan titled ‘Imperial Delhi Government—House, formal Indian garden’, letters addressed to and from Griessen, and much more.