The Indian Archaeological Survey has unearthed the names of over 670 labourers and masons who helped building the Taj Mahal.

The names, written mostly in Persian, were found etched into the sandstone walls and peripheral structures on the northern side of the monument.

"Most of these masons came from Iran, Central Asia and India. The names have been meticulously divided into sections such as dome makers, garden development department, furnishing workers and inlay artists." the superintending archaeologist, D Dayalan was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

One of the world's most famous monuments, the Taj Mahal was built in memory of Shah Jahan's favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

 

It took 20,000 craftsmen and workers 22 years to build the Mughal emperor's mausoleum for his beloved wife. Shah Jahan himself was also later buried in the Taj Mahal.