Places of interests in Agra

Besides the TajMahal amongst the other famous monuments of Agra, India is the Agra Fort. Agra fort was built by Emperor Akbar. He was undoubtedly the Greatest Mughal emperor of India. The construction of Agra fort commenced in the 1565 and completed in 1571. Built with red sandstone Agra Fort is a mixture of the Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture. Agra Tourism would be incomplete without this monument.

Less than 1km north of Itmad-ud-daulah is Chini-ka-rauza, built in 1635 and reputed to be the mausoleum of Afzal Khan, a Persian poet and Shah Jahan's prime minister. Neglected and decaying, its soft brown stone is victim to the elements and is now crumbling away into the riverbank. Topped with an Afghan-style bulbous dome, the dull earth-coloured tomb is a far cry from Nur Jahan's delicate work, but is distinctive as Agra's sole Persian construction. Parts of the walls are still covered with the coloured enamel tiles (chini) that once enhanced the whole of the exterior and gave the tomb its name, while traces of paintings and Islamic calligraphy can still be made out on the high domed ceiling. The main tomb building is very simple in plan and lacks architectural ornamentation. According to 1871-72 survey report, the monument originally enclosed by high walls, having gateways on North and South direction, two three storeyed octagonal towers and a ghat of stone masonry near the river bank, but now only the main Tomb building, in partially damaged state, has survived. The main tomb is square in plan with 79 feet (8.48m) side. The central chamber is in octagonal plan having diameter of 27'10" (8.48m), with eight arched recesses. Out of these eight arched recesses, four are pentagonal arched which are close and rest of the four are square which provides openings on all four sides. There are four square chambers, one at every corner, which are inter connected with the side halls or porches on all four sides. The upper part of the tomb contains an arched passage which is three feet (94 cm) wide and opens on all the four corners into four rooms just above the lower corner chambers and gives a double storeyed effect to the tomb building. This passage was accessible by a stairway on the southern side which ultimately leads to terrace. The superstructure of the building includes a shallow dome which is crowned by inverted lotus and kalash finial, and pinnacles on all the four corners. Ornamentation The monument was designed in such a way, that it may provide spaces for colour embellishments. Use of architectural ornamentation like chhajja, brackets and balconies were restricted to provide enough space for glazed tile decoration. The sides of central arch, on each side of the building contains inscription in blue coloured tiles which is bordered by stylized design in blue, yellow and green tiles. The spandrels of the arches are decorated with arabesque and floresque patterns, laid in blue and orange tiles. The shafts on sides of the arches contains zig-zag design in crimson, orange and white colour. Chevrons of the pinnacles are decorated with bands of blue tiles. The remaining spaces on each facade is divided into panels each having floral designs in variegated colours like blue, green, orange, vermillion etc.

Fatehpur ("city of victory") Sikri is an abandoned city about 30 miles east of Agra. In 1571 the Moghul emperor Akbar moved his capital here (to what had been nothing more than a village), but in 1585 he shifted his capital to Lahore, and the city was deserted soon after. The palaces have been beautifully restored by the Archaelogical Survey of India, and even after UP Tourism raised the entry price to $10 (from 15 rupees) it is still worth a visit. This building is called Birbal Bhavan, after Akbar's courtier Birbal

It is a tomb built with white marble in the typical Islamic style architecture. It was built by the Mughal Empress Noor Jahan in the memory of her father Itmad-ud-Daulah. It happens to be one of the must visit monuments of Agra.

Jami Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. Built in 1571 A.D., it is the most scared building in Fatehpur Sikri and has, therefore, been built on the highest point. The mosque has a vast courtyard. Towards the corner on the right side, is the Jammat Khana hall and next to which is Zenana Rauza, the Tomb of the Royal Ladies. It has tomb of Islam Khan, and Sufi shrine or 'dargah'. The tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti is worth seeing. Originally it was built in red stone and was later faced in marble by Jahangir. It's lattice screens are the most intricate and beautiful in the world. Jama Masjid is beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles. The building comprises of pillared Dalan, a beautiful 'Chhajja' and the 'Chhatri' on the roof. The main Iwan of the building is rather simple and contains a central arch with geometrical designs. The monumental gateway, Buland Darwaza is the main entrance to the mosque. The other entrance is Badshahi Darwaza, which is towards east. The siting of the Jama Masjid marked the actual beginning of the city which came up around it. The palace courts were laid out parallel to the cardinally aligned mosque and the sequential order of the palaces were emphasized by change in level. The most public space was at the lowest level, while the royal harem was at the highest. There are several historical places to see in the town. The main being the palace complex and the Friday mosque (Jama Masjid). Towering gateway of the mosque is fittingly called the Buland Darwaza. There are the two tombs of the saint, the white marble one erected by Shah-Jahan, and the original red sandstone one of Emperor Akber. There are government information plaques near all the monuments. Emperor Akbar, the greatest of all the Mughal rulers, had no heir. In a desperate attempt, he beseeched the saint Salim Christi at Sikri. Through divine grace, an heir was born and the emperor, in the grand manner of all true emperors, decided to dedicate a magnificent city in honour of the saint. The court and the epi-centre of the empire was moved from Delhi / Agra to Fatehpur Sikri. A magnificent palace of deep red sandstone was erected in record time and nearby, a fittingly beautiful mosque was dedicated to the saint. After the death of the saint, the emperor erected a regal tomb for the saint. Soon, he shifted the capital back to Agra / Delhi. Later, Emperor Shah-Jahan erected a delicate white marble tomb for the saint that helped preserve the Mughal dynasty.

Akbar built this palace for his favorite son Jehangir. This is the largest private residence in the fort. The palace has a blend of Hindu and central Asian architectural styles. One of the pleasures of the Agra Fort is exploring its many hidden corridors and palaces. Here we have part of Jehangiri Mahal, the Palace of crown prince Jehangir, who became emperor after the passing of this father, Akbar. It's an interesting structure, largely for its heavy borrowing of Hindu elements in the architecture. It's no wonder, considering that Akbar, a central Asian Muslim, employed Hindus as his designers and chief builders. Jehangir's palace built by Akbar was the largest private residence in the fort. Close to Diwan-i-Khas, stands an octagonal tower known as Musamman Burj. It was here that Shahjahan breathed his last after seven years of imprisonment. Other places to see within the fort include the Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal (the mirror palace) and the Anguri Bagh (the Grape Garden). It is believed that Akbar built this place as a private residence in the fort, for his son. It was the first structure that showed indications that the fort was changing from a military base to luxurious living quarters. The palace is also interesting for its blend to Hindu and central Asian architectural styles - a contrast to the unique Mughal style which had developed by the time of Shah Jahan.

To the right of Jahangiri Mahal is Akbar's favorite queen Jodha Bai`s Palace. In contrast to other palaces in the fort, it is rather simple. Through the slits in the wall one can see the Taj. Jodha Bai's Palace (Jodha Bai was Akbar's Rajput queen) has the most distinctively Gujarati and Rajasthani architectural features. A better place to take photographs is further on. Fatehpur Sikri had a wall on three sides with mne gateways and also had an artificial lake. The best examples of Akbar's buildings are found in Fatehpur Sikri. It was designed as a grand capital with schools, public buildings, palaces, and mosques interspersed with terraces and gardens. The architectural style of these buildings has Persian influence. There are many buildings of interest in this capital. The Jodha Bai Palace is complete in its design and its carved decoration resemble those of the Hindu temple architecture. The architecture of the Palace of Jodha Bai is a fine specimen of fusion of Hindu and Muslim styles. Hawa Mahal is a room whose walls were made entirely of stone latticework with a view to enable the ladies to watch the daily events in the palace. Jodha Bai (Jodha Bai was Akbar's Rajput queen) has the most distinctively Gujarati and Rajasthani architectural features. A strong portal guards this place, which was the residence of Akbar's prominent queens. Also noteworthy are Mariam's Palace or Sunehra Makan (golden house), Palace of Birbal (one of Akbar's minister notable for his witticisms) and a miniature garden. Akbar, however, was born in India and did not live anywhere else. As a result, he knew the land and its people. When Akbar came to the throne in 1556, his kingdom did not stretch further than the Punjab and the Delhi region. His chief minister, Bairam Khan, guided the young king well, and Akbar soon began to conquer neighbouring kingdoms. In 1561, He conquered Malwa. This opened up the rich lands of western India. The Rajput princes were powerful and militarily skilful. Akbar handled them diplomatically. He allowed them to keep their kingdoms, provided they acknowledged him as their overlord by paying tribute and supplying him with soldiers. He sealed such agreements by marriages with princesses of the Rajput royal clans. In fact, although he was a Muslim, he married a Hindu Rajput princess, Jodha Bai, sister of the then ruler of Jaipur Man Singh, and allowed her to worship in her own way in the palace. Jahangir was the son of Akbar and Jodhabai. Akbar showed no mercy to rulers who opposed him, and it required great courage to resist him. But once his authority was acknowledged, Akbar was just and generous to Hindus and Muslims alike. Akbar ended the taxes that Hindus had to pay when going on pilgrimage. He also abolished payments they had to make if they did not do military service. In this way, Akbar gradually won the cooperation of the Hindus, both rulers and people.

The Octagonal Tower is an exquisitely carved tower where Shah Jahan spent the last seven years of his life. The tower was considered to provide one of the best views of the Taj but today the pollution has reduced the visibility. The tower, and much of the Agra Fort, is in bad shape but blank spaces and the empty inlay works give an idea of how this building must have looked in its prime. This exquisitely carved tower is close to the Diwan-i- Khas. It was here that Shah Jahan spent last seven years of his life imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. The tower was considered to provide one of the best views of the Taj but today the pollution has reduced the visibility. The tower is in bad shape today but blank spaces and the empty inlay works give an idea how this building must have looked in those days. On the left of the Khas Mahal is the Musamman Burj, an octagonal tower with an open pavilion build by Shahjahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is made of delicate marble lattices with ornamental niches for the ladies of the court to gaze out, unseen. The chamber with a marble dome on top, is surrounded by a verandah with a beautiful carved fountain in the center. The tower looks out over the River Yamuna and is traditionally considered to have one of the most poignant views of the Taj. This is where Shah Jahan spent his last few years as a captive of his son Aurangazeb and where he lay on his death bed, gazing at the Taj. The marble prayer chamber on the western side is about 159’ x 56’ and is three aisles deep with an arcade of seven arches. Out of the twenty-one bays of the chamber only three have vaulted soffits whereas others are spanned by horizontal beams. In the interior a beautifully carved and inlaid mihrab has been provided on the western wall. Six niches have also been provided on the western wall corresponding to the arches of the façade. The pulpit has four steps, instead of the usual three. On either side’s chambers for the women worshippers was provided. They were connected to the main hall by screen of marble lattice work. The arcade was protected by a chhajja and above the parapet seven beautiful square chhatris was provided. At each corner of the prayer chamber an octagonal tower crowned by a marble cupola was provided. Similar towers were also provided on the north-eastern and south-eastern corners of the open marble courtyard in front of the mosque. Three graceful bulbous domes crown the prayer chamber. The central dome was a little larger and higher than the other two. The entablature over the front row of arches bears a long Persian inscription in Nastaliq inlaid in black slate.

Rambagh, is another place to see in Agra that was laid out by the first Mughal Emperor, Babar. It stands three kilometers upstream from Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb. It is one of the earliest Mughal gardens in the country. The Jama Masjid, built in memory of Sheikh Salim Chisthi and his grandson Islam Khan by Jehan Aara Begum, is a wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture. Akbar's tomb at Sikandra, located in a large walled garden on the road to Delhi, is a magnificent gateway covered with floral and geometrical arabesque decoration in white and coloured marble with four elegant minarets. It is one of the places to see on your travel to Agra.

Majesty and magnificence, unrivalled. Love redefined. The Taj Mahal, the one and only one of its kind across the world. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realisation of Emperor Shahjahan's dream.