Emperor Shah Jahan & Rajah Charles Brooke
The saying, "Behind every great man, is a great woman" has many variations. Some serious and some satirical. Having the right partner (pardon me as we have to be politically correct these days) for a man/woman will inspire him/her to many great wonders and successes in life.
Mugal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal for his favorite wife, Mumtaz. This monument of love and celebration of woman in marble subsequently became one of the great wonders of the world.
Similarly in my hometown - Kuching, one enamored Rajah Charles Brooke was also inspired to do the same thing although his creation didn't make it into the same category as the Taj.
Who knew that the current residence of the Governor had a romantic past. Unlike the Taj, the Astana was built as a wedding gift from Rajah Brooke to his wife-to-be Margaret De Windt.
At least Ranee Margaret got to live in the Astana while she was alive. Mumtaz Mahal was only entombed in the Taj after her death. I often wonder what's the point of lying in this great monument of beauty when you are not there to physically enjoy its grandeur???
2 comments:
Hi Serene, just dropping a comment! Followed your link from Evelyn's site. :) Great pictures. This is Johanna btw, your cousin from Brunlaiii
Hi, thanks for posting on my blog. I see our cousin Johanna also has blog. This is a great way for all of us to "sorta" keep in touch! Have a good time in Kuching.
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