When people talk about Agra, the conversation almost always begins and ends with the white marble Taj Mahal. Millions visit it every year. Guidebooks are filled with its stories. But hidden quietly away from crowds, tickets, and selfie points lies a structure that very few travellers have even heard of — the Red Taj Mahal in Agra.
Many people are surprised to learn that this “Red Taj” is not a Mughal monument at all. It is not linked to Shah Jahan. And yet, it carries a powerful story of love, loyalty, and loss that deserves attention.
📌 Quick Facts: Red Taj Mahal in Agra
- Popular Name: Red Taj Mahal
- Actual Monument: Tomb of Colonel John William Hessing
- Location: Padretola Roman Catholic Cemetery, near Bhagwan Talkies, Agra
- Built In: Early 19th century (around 1803)
- Built By: Anne Hessing, in memory of her husband
- Material Used: Red sandstone
- Architectural Style: Indo-Islamic with Taj Mahal–like symmetry
- Purpose: Personal memorial, not a Mughal monument
- ASI Protection: No
- Tourist Access: Limited (inside an active cemetery)
What Is the Red Taj Mahal in Agra?
The Red Taj Mahal is the popular name given to the tomb of Colonel John William Hessing, a Dutch officer who lived in India during the late 18th and early 19th century.
The structure resembles the Taj Mahal in shape — a central dome, symmetrical design, and Indo-Islamic architectural influence — but it is built entirely from red sandstone. Because of this resemblance, locals and history enthusiasts started calling it the “Red Taj.”
Unlike the Taj Mahal, this monument stands quietly inside a Christian cemetery, away from Agra’s main tourist circuit.
Is the Red Taj Mahal Related to Shah Jahan or the Taj Mahal?
No.
This is the most important myth to clear.
The Red Taj Mahal has no connection to:
- Emperor Shah Jahan
- Mumtaz Mahal
- Mughal architecture commissions
It is not part of the Taj Mahal complex.
It is not protected by UNESCO or the Archaeological Survey of India.
The name “Red Taj” exists only because of its visual similarity and emotional symbolism, not historical lineage.
Who Was John William Hessing?
John William Hessing was a Dutch-born soldier of fortune — what many would today call a freelance adventurer.
His life reads like an action film:
- He served the Nizam of Hyderabad
- Later gained the trust of Maratha chiefs
- Rose to become the Commandant of Agra Fort
In 1803, during the British attack on Agra, Hessing fought while defending the fort. He was killed during the conflict, marking the end of a remarkable journey through colonial India.
A Love Story Carved in Red Sandstone
After Hessing’s death, his wife, Anne Hessing, decided to honour him in an extraordinary way.
Instead of a modest grave, she commissioned a grand tomb inspired by the Taj Mahal — the most powerful symbol of love in India. But unlike Shah Jahan’s imperial tribute, this memorial was deeply personal.
Built using red sandstone, the tomb reflects:
- Grief, not grandeur
- Devotion, not royalty
- Memory, not power
This is why many people describe the Red Taj Mahal as a private love story, standing quietly in contrast to the world-famous white Taj.
Red Taj Mahal vs White Taj Mahal
Although they look similar from a distance, their stories are very different.
The White Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by an emperor, using white marble and precious stones, as a royal mausoleum.
The Red Taj Mahal:
- Was built in the early 1800s
- Uses red sandstone
- Was commissioned by a grieving wife
- Exists as a private memorial
Both represent love — but from entirely different worlds.
Where Is the Red Taj Mahal Located?
The Red Taj Mahal is located inside the Padretola Roman Catholic Cemetery, near MG Road and the Bhagwan Talkies area in Agra.
This cemetery is one of the oldest Christian burial grounds in North India. It contains graves of Armenian, European, and colonial-era residents who once lived in Agra.
Because the tomb lies within an active cemetery, it was never developed as a tourist attraction.
Can Tourists Visit the Red Taj Mahal?
There is no official ticket counter or tourism infrastructure.
Visitors may sometimes be allowed inside, but:
- Entry depends on local permission
- Silence and respect are essential
- Photography may not always be permitted
It is important to remember that this is a place of remembrance, not a sightseeing spot like the Taj Mahal.
Why Is the Red Taj Mahal So Little Known?
Several reasons explain why most travellers miss it:
- It is not protected by ASI
- It lies inside a cemetery
- It receives no tourism promotion
- Guidebooks rarely mention it
Interestingly, travel discussions and local forums often show that even people who have lived in Agra for years are unaware of its existence.
Red Taj Mahal vs Black Taj Mahal: Don’t Confuse the Two
The Black Taj Mahal is a popular legend suggesting that Shah Jahan planned a black marble Taj across the Yamuna River. Historians widely dismiss this story as myth.
The Red Taj Mahal, however, is real.
It physically exists and has a documented history.
One is folklore.
The other is a forgotten monument.
Should You Visit the Red Taj Mahal?
If you are:
- A history enthusiast
- An offbeat traveller
- Someone curious about hidden stories
Then the Red Taj Mahal offers something rare — depth instead of drama.
It may not impress with scale, but it leaves a lasting emotional impact.
Travellers interested in exploring Agra beyond the Taj Mahal often combine lesser-known landmarks with a guided Agra sightseeing tour.
FAQs – Red Taj Mahal in Agra
Is the Red Taj Mahal in Agra real or just a myth?
Yes, the Red Taj Mahal is real. It is the tomb of Colonel John William Hessing, a Dutch officer who lived in Agra during the early 19th century. However, it is not related to the Mughal Taj Mahal and is often misunderstood because of its name and appearance.
Why is it called the Red Taj Mahal?
It is called the Red Taj Mahal because its structure resembles the Taj Mahal but is built using red sandstone instead of white marble. The name is informal and based on visual similarity, not historical connection.
Where exactly is the Red Taj Mahal located in Agra?
The Red Taj Mahal is located inside the Padretola Roman Catholic Cemetery near the Bhagwan Talkies area and MG Road in Agra. Since it lies within a cemetery, it is not marked as a regular tourist monument.
Can tourists visit the Red Taj Mahal in Agra?
Tourist access is limited. As the monument is inside an active Christian cemetery, visitors may need local permission, and respectful behaviour is required. There is no official ticket counter or fixed visiting time.
Is the Red Taj Mahal connected to Shah Jahan or the Black Taj Mahal legend?
No. The Red Taj Mahal has no connection to Emperor Shah Jahan. It is also different from the Black Taj Mahal, which is a historical legend. The Red Taj Mahal physically exists and has a documented history.
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