Finally, Taj to be declared a "Wonder"

Vote for the new 7 world wonders

VISHAL SHARMA
INDIA (AGRA), 30 Nov. It is a popular belief among Taj lovers globally, that this monument of love is one of the seven wonders of the world.
But surprise, surprise!! The Taj was never a part of the canonical list of seven wonders of the ancient world compiled in the engravings by the Dutch artist Maerten van Heemskerck (1498-1574) and Johann Fischer von Erlach in his History of Architecture, both created before the construction of the Taj in 1648 A.D. All the original monuments, constructed around 200 B.C., have long since disappeared from the face of the earth except the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
In fact, it is not even the part of the list of modern wonders, though both of these lists do not exist "officially". The UNESCO, being the chief patron of the architectural treasures world over, has never believed in "ranking" the monuments but none the less, it is only human to select what they think is the best.
Now, people all over the world have united through the internet under the banner of New 7 Wonders Foundation to choose their list of seven wonders of the world, with Bernard Weber, a Swiss adventurer and globe - trotter as its chief patron. A global vote is being cast on the internet to select the final list of Seven wonders of the World, which shall be announced live, globally on January 1, 2006.
On this list, the Taj Mahal is facing a tough competition from the Great Wall of China, which after the casting of 17 million votes globally, still ranks as the first in the wonders list with the Taj following up closely at the second place.
Agra shall hold a mega event for the announcement of the Taj Mahal's "official" nomination to this list by former Miss World and Actress Aishwarya Rai on Wednesday in the Taj Mahal itself. The event shall also feature the New7Wonders Balloon that shall fly behind the Taj Mahal on December 1st, giving the celebrities and international guests a rare opportunity to view the white marble mausoleum from the air.
Sarah Yuen, the event manager told the UNN on Monday evening that to celebrate the new accolade for the Taj Mahal, coinciding with its 350th anniversary year, New7Wonders shall also sponsor tourist balloon flights behind the Taj Mahal this winter. She said that people with no access to internet could also vote for the Taj on 1st December by sending an SMS of "TAJ" at 8888.
(UNITED NEWS NETWORK)

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