KANPUR: IIT-Kanpur will soon conduct 3D imaging of Taj Mahal, an exercise not done by any IIT earlier. This job has been handed over to IIT-K by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi more than a week back, on the basis of the institute's performance of 3D imaging of other historic places such as a temple in Bhithargaon four and a half years back.

This lengthy and technical exercise will be carried out to have a better understanding of how this historic monument was constructed and its layout. So far, there does not exist any model of this world heritage site. The 3D imaging of Taj Mahal will also assist in knowing how to reconstruct it (partially or wholly) in case need be or constructing a similar monument.

Bharat Lohani of civil engineering department of IIT-K will be heading the project.