In recent weeks, an image purporting to show the Taj Mahal during its construction in 1632 has been circulating on social media, creating significant confusion among viewers. This image, shared widely on Facebook and Instagram, is accompanied by claims that it is an authentic historical photograph of the iconic Indian monument. However, our investigation reveals that this image is not a historical photograph but an AI-generated creation.
Claim
The image in question depicts a structure resembling the Taj Mahal surrounded by scaffolding. It has been promoted with captions suggesting it shows the Taj Mahal during its construction, which began in 1631 and was completed in 1648. One Facebook post from June 11, 2024, in Bengali, claims, "One of the seven wonders of the world is the Taj Mahal. This is a photo of the Taj Mahal during its construction in 1632."
Investigation
- Historical Context: The Taj Mahal is a renowned white marble mausoleum commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Construction of the Taj Mahal started in 1631, and the principal mausoleum was completed by 1648. Importantly, photography was not invented until the early 19th century, specifically around 1816, long after the Taj Mahal's construction had concluded.
- AI-Generated Image: The image features a watermark that reads "Jyojohnmulloor." Our research traced this watermark to an Instagram post dated April 4, 2023. This post featured several images of domed structures under construction, created with the AI tool Midjourney. The post clearly states that these images are AI-generated, debunking any claims of historical authenticity. The Instagram user’s bio further confirms that all artworks on the page are generated using AI technologies.
- Verification: An analysis using the AI detection tool Hive Moderation supports the conclusion that the image is AI-generated. Given the technological constraints of the 17th century, it is impossible for genuine photographs of the Taj Mahal’s construction to exist.
- Comparison: A side-by-side comparison of the image shared in false posts and the original Instagram post confirms their identity, underscoring that the image is part of a series of AI-generated works.
Conclusion
The image circulating as a historical photograph of the Taj Mahal during its construction is a product of modern AI technology, not a relic of the past. This misinformation highlights the need for critical evaluation of such claims against historical and technological facts. As always, it is crucial to verify the authenticity of historical images and statements before sharing them to prevent the spread of false information.
