The Taj Mahal Palace is unrivalled, both in its service and splendour
IN RUSSI M. LALA’S much acclaimed book, The Creation of Wealth, he begins the chapter named The Taj Mahal with these words: “In the world’s travel circles, if you speak of just ‘The Taj’, they ask you ‘Which one?' Shah Jehan’s dream in marble was born out of his love for his wife. Jamsetji’s handiwork was born out of a love for his city.”
According to Frank Harris, who chronicled Jamsetji Tata's life, he saw that Bombay was failing in providing travellers the comforts and luxuries available in Europe and America. To make matters worse, the city had been hit by a terrible plague. Jamsetji decided to give Bombay a stunning hotel that would not only help restore its image as a great city but also attract foreign tourists. And, because Jamsetji was one of Bombay’s leading businessmen and the most widely traveled men of his time, he planned it on a massive scale.
On November 1, 1898, workmen began sinking the foundations of The Taj. From his visits to exhibitions in Europe and America, Jamsetji ordered lifts and American electric fans for his new hotel. An electric power plant was also installed to power these. A back-up system of gas lights was also at hand. At an exhibition in Paris, he saw spun-steel-pillars, created using a new technology. He immediately ordered a few of them for The Taj’s ballroom and front porch. From a Turkish bath to an electro-polishing machine to a knife-cleaning and sharpening machine, the hotel offered several modern amenities and technologies.
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