More Than a Love Story
In Mustansir Dalvi’s translation of the poem “Taj Mahal,” the reader is led not through a celebration of romantic architecture, but rather a piercing critique of the history, inequality, and forgotten pain behind one of the world’s most iconic symbols of love. The poem takes a bold stance: it dismantles the romantic idealism traditionally associated with the Taj Mahal and exposes the imperialist, classist foundations upon which such beauty stands. Through rich imagery, rhetorical questions, and ironic contrasts, Dalvi invites us to look past the marble façade and meet “some place else” emotionally, morally, and intellectually. “Let us meet some place else" This repeated line is the heart of the poem. At first, it might sound like a sweet and romantic invitation. But as you read more, it becomes clear that it’s actually a strong message. The speaker is asking to walk away from the idea that love needs to be shown through wealth, power, or big monuments like the Taj Mahal. Th...
