In Jhumpa Lahiri's "The Namesake," a tour guide reveals a dark tale about the construction of the Taj Mahal. After the majestic structure was finished, it is said that the emperor ordered the thumbs of the twenty-two thousand laborers to be cut off to ensure that such a magnificent monument could never be replicated. This chilling story underscores the extreme measures taken during the era to protect the legacy of the Taj Mahal and the sacrifices made by those who built it.

This anecdote serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind monumental achievements. The guide's account highlights the themes of sacrifice and the lengths to which individuals will go for their work and their rulers. It also invites the readers to reflect on the ethics of preserving beauty at the expense of human life, adding depth to the narrative and enriching the characters' understanding of their cultural heritage.