Agra - The Taj City

Agra is one of the most famous city of India for its Taj Mahal – One of the seven wonders of the world. The city finds its illustrations in Mahabharata also and the region was popular as Agrabana. It is a famous historical city for its marvelous Mughal Era Buildings. It is generally accepted that Sultan Sikandar Lodi – the Ruler of Delhi Sultanate founded the city of Agra.

The Golden Age of the city began with the establishment of Mughal Empire. Indian Architecture was influenced by Persian architecture and this gave rise to a beautiful harmony of Indian and Persian Architecture. The founder of Mughal Dynasty – Babur laid out beautiful Persian Garden on the banks of River Yamuna. The garden is called the Aram Bagh or the garden of relaxation. During Mughal rule, the city flourished a great and also came on the lessons of Indian History – The great Mughal Emperor Akbar who is known in history for his benevolence and love for mankind. He got constructed many buildings including the towering ramparts of the Great Red Fort of Agra and also built a new city at 40 kms from Agra – City of Fatehpur Sikri. It is believed that Akbar did not had any son and once he visited the Saint Khwaja Salim Chishti living in Fatehpur Sikri. By the blessings of the Saint, the King was gifted with a son and he named him after the Saint as Salim who was later known as Jahangir in Indian History.

Indian Architecture was glorified by the Emperor Shah Jahan who built some most memorable monuments in Agra – The Taj Mahal – Dream in white marble which is an open book of the love of an emperor for his beloved wife – Mumtaj Mahal. It is still most searched of monument in India. The beautiful Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque is also finest example of Persian architecture with beautiful meenakari and pacchikari on the walls. It remains closed in the vicinity of Agra Fort. The beautiful Diwan-e-Am and Diwan-e-Khas (halls of public and private audience), Jehangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (mirrored palace), and Musamman Burj are also some of the most beautiful constructions in the Agra Fort.

Other Places of tourist interest:

• Itmad-Ud-Daula’s Tomb

  Empress Nur Jahan built for her father Ghias-ud-din Beg who was the chief minister of Emperor Jahangir – the Tomb of Itmad-ud- Daula which is also known as Baby Taj. It has beautiful gardens and use of white marble with beautiful inlay work of meenakari and pachikari which are identical to Taj Mahal.

• Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is a large mosque dedicated to Shahjahan’s daugher Princess Jahanara begum which is notable for its unusual dome and absence of minarets.

• Sikandara – Akbar’s Mousoleum

Sikandara is the last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar at about 13 kms from the Agra fort on Agra – Delhi highway. Akbar the great himself planned his own tomb at a suitable place which was far from the city of Agra. The place is still standing with the same splendour and glory as of the mighty emperor. The construction of the tomb was completed later on by his son Jahangir.