|
Home | ||
AGRA FORT |
|
 The Agra Fort was begun by Akbar between 1565 and 1573. It is situated on the west bank of the Jumna River, about 2km upstream from the Taj Mahal (map). Akbar built the fort of sandstone; his grandson Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, constructed palaces of white marble within the fort itself. Shah Jahan was imprisoned in Agra Fort following the coup of his son, Aurangzeb, and died here in 16571.Agra Fort is entered today at the south end, through a low outer wall and gate (shown here) built by Aurangzeb. Visitors then pass in succession through two of Akbar's gates, the Amar Singh and the Akbari, before finally gaining admittance to the fort proper. The original entrance to the fort was through the grander Delhi Gate in the west wall. |
|
TAJ MAHAL |
Top^ |
 Taj Mahal, this is a mausoleum of the King Shah Jahan’s beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. The construction of Taj Mahal was begun in 1630 and took 23 years to complete in the year 1653. Made up of white marble, Taj Mahal Agra changes its shades through out the day with the sun light. Taj Mahal in Agra is a symbol of a man’s ever lasting love for his wife. Now after three centuries since its construction, Taj Mahal has been seen by millions of people from all across the globe and it is still the most attractive monument in the world.Shah Jahan came to power in 1622 when he seized the throne from his father, while murdering his brothers to ensure his claim to rule. He was known as an extravagant and cruel leader. But he redeemed himself by his generosity to his friends and the poor, by his passion in adorning India with some of its most beautiful architecture, and by his devotion to his wife Mumtaz Mahal - "Ornament of the Palace." He had married her when he was 21, when he already had two children by an earlier consort. Mumtaz gave her husband 14 children in eighteen years, and died at the age of 39 during the birth of the final child. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a monument to her memory and her fertility, but then relapsed into a life of scandalous behavior. This tomb was only one of hundreds of beautiful buildings that Shah Jahan erected, mostly at Agra and in the new Dehli that came into being under his planning. |
|
FATEHPUR SIKRI |
Top^ |
 Fatehpur Sikri is located in Uttar Pradesh , about 40km ( 25 miles) west of Agra , the city famous for the Taj Mahal.During the days of Akbar, the most prominent of the Mughal emperors, Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of Mughal India. Houwere after his death the city had been abandoned. Though very unlikely, the most popular reason told for this is some kind of water shortage or drought in the capital region. Fatehpur Sikri is now a ghost city, popular among both tourists and archeologists. What you can see is magnificent ruins of the bygone era, some are in excellent state pf preservation, and some are literally covered by shrubs and bushes. |
|
BULAND DARWAZA |
Top^ |
 Buland Darwaza or "high doo"',is a grand gateway constructed by Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over the King of Khandesh (Gujarat) in 1573. It is also known as the 'Gate of Magnificence'. This triumphal arch was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, when he defeated the king of Khandesh or Gujarat in 1573.The name Buland Darwaza means 'High Door' and this victory arch rises to a height of 40 meters or 175 feet. It is the most striking monument in Fatehpur Sikri and can be seen from quite a distance. Rising impressively towards the sky, the Buland Darwaza is approached by a series of steps. You will pass under the massive arch of the Buland Darwaza when you enter the city of Fatehpur Sikri. |
|
ITMAD-UD-DAULAH'S TOMB |
Top^ |
 Itmad-Ud Daulah's Tomb, one of the most beautiful of Mughal tombs, stands across the river Yamuna from the Taj Mahal, nearly one and a half kilometers up-stream. Belonging to the age of Jahangir, it contains cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas and Asmat Begum, parents of the powerful Mughal Empress Nurjahan queen of Jahangir, an exceptional beauty and an astute administrator. The tomb marks a significant departure from the tombs of the Mughal dynasty built before its construction.The pure white and elaborately carved tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah conforms to the Islamic style of architecture. The use of arched entrances, octagonal shaped towers or minarets, use of exquisitely carved floral patterns, intricate marble-screen work and inlay work are all representative of the Islamic style. |
|
Chini ka Rauza |
Top^ |
 Chini ka Rauza tomb is dedicated to Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz, who was a Persian poet-scholar and later the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan.Standing 175 feet tall, the Buland Darwaza is one of the most visible monuments of Fatehpur Sikri, 43 km away from Agra. An essential part of Agra Tourism Packages, this magnificent structure has been built in red sandstone with intricate decorations in white marble. Typical of all Mughal architectures, beautiful calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran can be seen on its front. The pillars and chattris at the top make the Buland Darwaza a truly impressive sight. |
|
RAMBAGH |
Top^ |
 Laid out in 1528 by Babur the first of the Mughal emperors this is the earliest Mughal garden. It is said that Babur was temporarily buried here before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afaganisthan. The Ram Bagh is 2 to 3 km further north of the Chini Ka rauza on the riverside and is open from sunrise to sunset.The Mughal Emperors of India, were very influenced by their Persian background. In Persia, the pleasure garden is an important part of the landscape of every city. The Mughal emperors introduced the same concept in India. In Islam, the garden is considered a representation of Paradise, a word derived from pairidesa, which means land of fairies. Devout Muslims should not only aspire to reach paradise but should strive to create its likeness on earth. Therefore the Mughal Emperors laid out many beautiful gardens to create a paradise within their kingdoms. |
|
MEHTAB BAGH |
Top^ |
 Mahtab Bagh is situated on the sandy bank of Yamuna River just opposite the Taj Mahal mausoleum. The place is an ideal spot for it provides picturesque view of Taj Mahal. The name Mehtab Bagh means 'Moon Lit Garden' and the same was testified by the beautiful reflection of Taj Mahal in the pool at night in Mahtab Bagh. The place has a history of its own. It is believed that the great emperor Shah Jahan who built Taj Mahal for his queen wanted an identical one for himself at Mehtab Bagh. However the archaeological findings have proved the existence of garden complex. Whatever the popular beliefs be, the place is worth a visit as it provides bewitching image of Taj Mahal.The important attraction of Mehtab Bagh is Taj Mahal itself. The garden has been renovated by the Archaeological Survey according to the original plan. The place has been enriched with vegetation and at present more than 40 species of plants bloom in the garden. The garden has been built in a typical Charbagh fashion. |
|
DAYALBAGH |
Top^ |
 Dayal Bagh Gardens is located 15 km from Agra and is an important pilgrimage site. The Dayalbagh Gardens is also the headquarter of the Radhasoami religious sect, founded in 1861 by Shri Shiv Dayal Singh. The Radhasoami movement combines elements from Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism and Buddhism. The architecture of the Dayalbagh Gardens follows much of the same pattern of amalgamation of the traits of different religions like the Radhasoami Satsang movement itself. Thus, this beautiful memorial gives examples of different architectural styles such as those that can be found in temples, gurudwaras, viharas and mosques all across the country. Impressive at a height of around 110 feet, the memorial is built completely in white marble with majestic pillars. |
|
TAJ MAHAL GARDEN |
Top^ |
 Taj Mahal Garden serves the dual purpose of housing one of the seven wonders of the world and provides a refreshing place in the vicinity. The garden is built in a typical Charbagh pattern. The original concept of Charbagh has been derived from the Muslim holy book Koran which says about the provision of four streams in Paradise. Most of the gardens built by Mughal kings including Taj Mahal Garden represent a definite, planned architecture wherein the garden is divided into four sections and provided with pools and fountains. The Taj Mahal Garden has a central pool starting from the entrance to the mausoleum. The pool is provided with fountains and the watercourses are laid in a way so as to divide the entire area into four sections. Each section has 16 flower beds and represents a unique feature according to Muslim faith. There are as such 64 flower beds in the garden. |
|
JAMA MASJID |
Top^ |
 The Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri, near Agra is also known as the Jami Masjid. The mosque is one of the largest in India. It was constructed in 1571 A.D. during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great. The mosque is built at a height due due its exalted purpose and has a large courtyard where the faithful can gather to pray. To the right of the mosque is the Jammat Khana hall and then the Zenana Rauza, or the tomb of the women of the royal household.Within the mosque complex you will find the shrine of the Sufi religious leader Sheikh Salim Chisti. The lattice marble screens of the tomb are amazing in their workmanship. The tomb was earlier built in red sandstone and parts of the original structure can also be seen. You can see the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti on tours of the Jama Masjid Agra with Agra Hub. |
|
MANGLESHWAR TEMPLE |
Top^ |
 Mangleshwar Temple, Agra is an eminent religious site of the city. Mangleshwar Temple, Agra is one of the prominent temples of Agra. This temple is located in the Gokul Pura area of Agra. Several pilgrims and tourists visit the Mangleshwar Temple in Agra every year. The festive days in Agra see the Mangleshwar Temple, Agra decked up in ornate embellishments. This temple stands as a testimony to the religious diversity of the city.The entire ambience of the temple acquires a gorgeous, animated and colorful look. If you are also interested in paying Agra Mangleshwar Temple a visit and basking in its architectural splendor and religious importance then do come here. It is very near to the central railway line. This rail line connects the northern and southern regions of the Agra city. You can also come here by Ramratan Road. |
|
GURU KA TAAL |
Top^ |
 Guru Ka Taal is the most revered place of the Sikh's located in Agra. The place is said to be visited by four of the ten gurus of the Sikhs. The gurudwara has been built over the stop where Guru Tegh Bahadur offered his arrest to the Mughal king Aurangzeb. The splendid gurudwara which stands in the precincts of Sikandra is due to the noble contributions and efforts of Sant Sadhu Singh Mauni during 1970's. The place is an important pilgrim place for Sikhs and every year thousands of devotees flock into the Agra city. For these people the land out there is blessed.This 17th century red stone structure is reckoned among the magnificent architectural wonders of India. Boasting elaborate stone carvings and 8 towers of the 12 original towers, this gurudwara beckons travelers from far and away to bask in its glory. |
|
MOTI MASJID |
Top^ |
 The Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built between 1648-54, stands on the ground that slopes from east to west to the north of Diwan-I-Am complex. It is known so because of its pearly white marble interiors. The exteriors of the mosque seem to be made of brick. The monumental mosque was built at that time at an exponential cost of three lakh of rupees and had a marble-paved court. The marble tank situated centrally in the court and the sundial made up of an octagonal marble pillar in one of its corners are quite impressive. There are arcaded cloisters surrounding the courtyard on the northern, eastern and the southern sides with twelve sided pillars and cusped arches while the prayer chamber is on its western side. |
|
TAJ MUSEUM |
Top^ |
 The Taj Mahal Museum in Agra, India was founded in 1982. It is situated in the ground floor of Naubat Khana in the west. Naubat Khana is also referred to as Jal Mahal and is a 2 storied building standing on an elevated platform.The museum comprises of three galleries in addition to the main hall and has on display various exhibits relating mostly to the construction of the Taj Mahal and to the period of its builders. Totally 121 antiquities are on display, which are broadly categorized as Mughal miniature paintings, manuscripts, government decrees, specimen of calligraphy, arms, utensils, plans and drawings of Taj Complex, paintings, specimen inlay work, marble pillars, etc. |
|
JAHANGIRI MAHAL |
Top^ |
 Jehangiri Mahal, situated north of the gate at the end of a spacious lawn. Built by Akbar as a residence for his son Jehangir, the palace is the largest private residence in the fort, a superb blend of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. This is the first notable building that the visitor sees on his right hand side at the end of a spacious lawn, as one enters through the Amar Singh Gate and emerges out of the passage. It was built by Akbar as women's quarters and is the only building that survives among his original palace buildings. It is built of stone & is simply decorated on the exterior. |
|
JODHA BAI'S PALACE |
Top^ |
 Jodha Bai's palace is the largest and most important part of Imperial Harem, having all facilities, provisions and safeguards. The name Jodha Bai palace is a misnomer in itself. It is most widely accepted that the building was for Raniwas or Zenani-Dyodhi.The palace building consists of a rectangular block measuring 231'8"x215' in dimension, with a single magnificent gateway on eastern side, which was protected by guard rooms, having triangular ceiling and other apartments. Several Hindu motifs have been used in the building, which confirms that occupant of the building was a Hindu lady. |
|