Vance at Taj: ‘Testament to true love’

Vance, who is staying in Jaipur in neighbouring Rajasthan, flew to Agra. At the Air Force Station, he was greeted by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

As the convoy moved from the airport, schoolchildren waved US and Indian flags along the route. According to officials, the US Vice-President acknowledged the welcome by waving back to the students. The route was decorated with banners, standees, and cut-outs of the visiting dignitary, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and UP Chief Minister Adityanath.

Nitin Singh, the guide from the Ministry of Tourism, took the visiting family around the Mughal-era monument. According to him, the visit lasted about an hour. Singh said he explained the history of the Taj Mahal — who built it, when, why, and how long the construction took – to the Vance family.

Usha Vance, a History graduate, asked Singh detailed questions about the stones used in the 17th-century structure, its marble inlay work, architectural style, and the sources of materials. “The Vice-President was captivated by the carvings and design elements,” Singh said.

During the visit, Singh quoted Vance as saying, “I’ve been to many places in the world, but this is the most beautiful structure I have ever seen.”

Vivek,  Vance’s middle son, showed interest in how the marble was transported from distant locations for construction. Singh told him that elephants were used for it, to which Vivek responded that he had seen elephants at Amer Fort in Jaipur the previous day.

The family said they would like to return another time, preferably during better weather, and would visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise.

Singh, who was also the guide to US President Donald Trump when he visited Agra in his first term, said Vance expressed hope that his visit would encourage more American tourists to visit the Taj Mahal.