India's iconic monument, The Taj Mahal, is valued at more than a $1 Billion USD today. It's grandeur and domes gleaming of white have made it to the Seven Wonders of the World List. Some people say Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who built this monument, cut off hands of those labourers who made this structure to avoid duplication. Others claim a black Taj was planned across the Yamuna river. But what is interesting to note that the most notorious theory surrounding the Taj Mahal is that of a man who sold it not once but thrice!
Meet Mithilesh Kumar Srivastava, famously known as Natwarlal. A trickster, in Indias history. Hailing from a village in Bihar back in 1912 Natwarlal evolved into a faker and impersonator whose escapades had become the talk of the town. A suave and charming man engaging visitors near the Taj Mahal. With manners and falsified documents to support his stories he would weave narratives about the governments intentions to auction off national landmarks for development purposes. In no time he would manage to persuade some foreigners to invest their money in owning a share of the Taj Mahal itself.
Natwarlal successfully executed cons times during the 1960s and 70s. Reports suggest that his proceeds from these sales" of the Taj Mahal ranged from 2 to 20 lakh rupees. Amounts during that era.He's known to sell not only the Taj Mahal but also the Agra Fort and the Parliament with its 545 members. His strategy was pretty simple and clear.
He would mould his personality according to the person he's selling the monument to. He was a polyglot which immensely worked in his favour helping him assume various identities.
From a businessman to a government official. He excelled in replicating signatures mimicking those of presidents and industrialists with accuracy.
Natwarlals true fame stemmed from his ability to outsmart the law. Despite being arrested than 8 times he pulled off daring escapes from prisons across India. His memorable escape occurred at the age of 84 when he disappeared from police custody at a Delhi hospital leaving an empty wheelchair behind.
After his supposed passing in 1996 Natwarlal remained shrouded in mystery. Contradictory reports surfaced when his lawyer claimed he was alive until 2009. His life story inspired Bollywood movies such as Bunty aur Babli. Captivated the publics imagination. Was he a genius or a modern day Robin Hood who shared his gotten gains with the needy? The debate continues.
One thing is certain. Natwarlals audacious scams, including attempting to sell the priceless Taj Mahal have secured him a spot, in Indias history of legendary tricksters. In a country that celebrates "jugaad" ( solutions) Natwarlal elevated it to heights.
He might have been a scam artist. You've got to appreciate the boldness of a guy who managed to sell the Taj Mahal three times and pull it off!
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