Plan of Taj Taken 1868

This plan depicts one of the earliest of its kind that was made of the Taj Gardens, dating back to 1868. It was authorized by A. E. P. Griessen, the superintendent of these gardens, and traced by the draftsman, Rahimuddin. Areas of interest have been highlighted in different hues, such as green for grass, pink for building and causeways, blue for the water, yellow for the marble stone and a lighter shade of orange for pucha road (metalled road). The Charbagh pattern followed for the gardens is visible, where the centre of the garden with the intersection is built on a raised platform called chabutra, adorned with hauz (here, pool with fountains). In addition to the main tomb, its gardens comprise the heart of the complex.

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.