|
Home | ||
AGRA FORT |
|
 Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort. The colossal walls are 20 feet high and the whole fort is encircled by a fetid moat. Amar Singh gate towards the south is the only entry point in the fort. The building and structures inside the fort gives an impression of a city within the city. Many of the building inside the fort is now closed for the public. The marble pearl mosque inside the fort is one of the most stunningly beautiful mosques in India. |
|
TAJ MAHAL |
Top^ |
 Agra hosts the most beautiful wonder of the world the great 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. |
|
BULAND DARWAZA |
Top^ |
 Buland Darwaza popularly known as the 'Gate of Magnificence' was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujrat. He built it in the sixteenth century as a gateway to his newly built city of Fatehpur Sikri. Situated on the hilltop it is one of the largest gateways in the world. It is the greatest Indian architecture monument of the entire Akbar's regin. Buland Darwaza is an outstanding example of the Mughal architecture.The Buland Darwaza or the magnificence gateway is made of red and buff sandstone, decorated by carving and inlaying of white and black marble. An inscription on the central face of the Buland Darwaza throws light on Akbar's religious broad mindedness. 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. |
|
TAJ MAHAL GARDEN |
Top^ |
 Taj Mahal Gardens are set up in a Persian style, running from the main gateway to the base of the Taj Mahal. The Persian style of gardens, with emphasis on flowers, fruit, birds, leaves, symmetry and delicacy, was introduced in India by Babur. These gardens were based on geometric arrangements of nature and no attempt was made to give them a "natural" look. Another architectural attribute that has been followed in the case of the entire monument, especially the gardens of the Taj Mahal of Agra, is the usage of number four and its multiples.Since four is considered the holiest number in Islam, all the arrangements of Charbagh Garden of Taj Mahal are based on four or its multiples. The entire garden is divided into four parts, with two marble canals studded with fountains crossing in the center. In each quarter portion, there are 16 flowerbeds that have been divided by stone-paved raised pathways. It is said that even each of the flowerbed was planted with 400 plants. |
|
FATEHPUR SIKRI |
Top^ |
 16 kms from the city of Agra, stands Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's capital. Full credit goes to the Archeological Survey of India for this perfectly preserved example of a Mughal city at the height of the empire's splendour. It is an attraction no visitor to Agra should miss.This walled city contains the mausoleum of the Sufi fakir, Saleem Chisti who is said to have granted Akbar and his Hindu queen Jodhabai their wish for a son. The main entrance to Fatehpur Sikri is through the 175 feet Buland Darwaza, the highest gateway in the world. It was built by Akbar to commemorate his victory over Khandesh in Gujarat. The buildings within Fatehpur Sikri are a unique blend of different architectural traditions. Though the general layout and concept of the buildings conform to the Islamic style of architecture, the actual buildings (mainly palaces), their ornate columns, arches, carving style, etc., show a strong Hindu style in general and that of Gujarat and Rajasthan in particular. |
|
MEHTAB BAGH |
Top^ |
 Mehtab Bagh means 'Moon Lit Garden' and the same was testified by the beautiful reflection of Taj Mahal in the pool at night in Mehtab Bagh. This garden is believed to be build around 1639 AD. 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. Mahtab Bagh Agra built in 1631 to 1635. 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. |
|
ITMAD-UD-DAULAH'S TOMB |
Top^ |
 Itmad- Ud- Daula's Tomb is one of the attractions in Agra and stands as one of the most beautiful existing Mughal Tombs in the region. The tomb stands across Yamuna River and is nearly one and a half kilometres away from the Taj.This magnificent tomb belongs to the era of Jahangir and it contains cenotaphs of Mirza Ghivas and Asmat Begum. Miirza Ghivas and Asmat Begum are the parents of the powerful Mughal Empress Nurjahan, queen of Jahangir who was an exceptional beauty and an astute administrator. The tomb is significantly built quite departed and aloof from the other Mughal Tombs. The tomb is one of the Tourists Spots in Agra which duly conforms to the rich Islamic style of architecture. Along with the main building, the structure consists of numerous outbuildings and gardens. The tomb which was built between 1622 and 1628 represents transitional work between the two phases of Mughal architecture. The tomb was built paying homage to Nurjahan's father Mirza Ghiyas Beg who had been given the title of Itmad- ud- Daula (pillar of the state). |
|
Chini ka Rauza |
Top^ |
 Chini Ka Rauza is a spectacular tomb very close to Taj Mahal in Agra. The tomb is dedicated to the Prime Minister of Mughal dynasty Allama Afzal Khan, the Mullah of Shiraz, during the rule of Shah Jahan.The name Chini Ka Rauza is derived from most attractive tiles (Chini) used to adorn the ceilings and walls of the structure. The tomb is decorated with different colors, blue, yellow and green tiles adding a spectacular view to it This imposing structure is built in a rectangular shape and it is unique with a bulbous tomb. It has an orthogonal chamber in the middle and many inscriptions made with blue glazed tiles are visible in the tomb. This tomb has been a unique specimen of best of Mughal and Persian architectural styles. |
|
RAMBAGH |
Top^ |
 The Rambagh Gardens or Bagh-i-gul Afshan as they are also known were established by Babur and later renovated by Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir and one of the most influential Mughal empresses. The Garden which is also known as Bagh-i-Gul Afshan is planned following the Charbagh pattern which consists of four main divisions crisscrossed by paths and waterways. Water which forms a very integral part of Islam is almost likened to life in these pleasure parks. The main source of water in the Rambagh Gardens is the Yamuna from which water is distributed all around the park in a series of three cascades developed over three terraces. Besides these there are stairs on either side of the water channels, fountains, an island platform and two pavilions on either side of the main water channel, that truly go a long way into converting the Rambagh Gardens into a real paradise. |
|
DAYALBAGH |
Top^ |
 Dayalbagh Located at a distance of just around 15 Km from Agra, the Dayalbagh Gardens form a major tourist attraction of the area and are generally included in most tours conducted in the vicinity of Agra. The Dayalbagh Gardens have been founded in the memory of Shiv Dayal Sahib the founder of the Radhasoami Satsang Movement, a religious movement that was begun in 1861. The movement basically follows a code that is an amalgamation of a number of other religions such as 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. |
|
JAMA MASJID |
Top^ |
 Jama Masjid Agra is located in the heart of the then Mughal capital, Fatehpur Sikri. Commonly known as the Jami Masjid, it is probably the largest mosque in India. Housing the tomb of the Sufi religious leader Sheikh Salim Chishti, it draws several devotees as a pilgrimage site. One of the most traveled tourist attractions in India on your tour to Agra, it is a brilliant example of Mughal architecture. It was constructed in 1571 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Akbar and is one of the most sacred sites in Fatehpur Sikri. The fact the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri was built around the Jama Masjid, which speaks volumes about its importance. 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^ |
 Mangaleshwar Temple is located a little west of the Agra city center in Gokal Pura area. The temple stands close to the central railway line that connects the northern and the southern regions of Agra city. The temple is quite popular in the city suburbs and the local population. During festive days the temple is beautifully adorned and reflects the religious diversity in Agra mainland. The worshipping place for Hindus well connected to the city. Access to the place is provided by the Ramratan Road. Besides providing the services the temple is also a popular reference point in the region. 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 a taal a holy place of worship of the Sikh's, this Gurudwara was visited by one of the ten revered Gurus of Sikhism. The Gurudwara is of great historical importance to the Sikhs. It was built over the place where the Guru Tegh Bahadur laid down his arms to offer arrest to Aurangazeb, the Mughal King. Several devotees gather every year to pay homage to the great Sikh guru in this Gurudwara.Originally, the Tal was a reservoir in the area near Sikandra. This historic structure dates back to the 17th century. The reservoir was ornamented with stone carvings. Out of the twelve towers of the Tal, only eight towers have survived and been retrieved. This red stone structure bears witness to the magnificent architecture of the India. The Gurudwara called Guru Ka Taal was built due to the contributions and arduous efforts of Sant Sadhu Singh Mauni in 1970s. |
|
MOTI MASJID |
Top^ |
 Moti Masjid of Agra is situated inside the premises of the famous Red Fort of the city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan got this magnificent monument built inside his fort. The construction work on the mosque was started in the year 1648 and was completed in 1654. Moti Masjid is built out of pure white marble, which gives the look of pearl color. Infact, it is this pearl color of the mosque that led to its naming as the Moti Masjid, with the term 'Moti' meaning 'Pearl' and 'Masjid' meaning 'Mosque'.The architectural beauty of the Moti Masjid serves as the perfect example of the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans of India. The mosque was intended to serve as the private worship place of the royal members of the court. It is situated near the 'Diwan-E-Aam', the hall where the emperor used to hold public audiences. The prayer hall of the mosque lies on its western side. Moti Masjid of India is flanked, on the northern, the southern as well as the eastern side, by a porch, which is adorned with twelve pillars and an arch. |
|
JODHA BAI'S PALACE |
Top^ |
 Jodh Bai was the Hindu mother of Jahangir and the daughter of the Maharaja of Jaipur (Amber). This large palace is a blend of Muslim and Hindu architecture. It has a large courtyard, which surrounds a central garden. 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. |
|
TAJ MUSEUM |
Top^ |
 Taj Mahal Museum in Agra is one of the most famous museums in Agra, which is visited by hundreds of tourists who wish to delve deep into the history of Taj. The Taj Museum is located within the complex of Taj Mahal. It is located to the left of the platform near the chief gate of the Taj Mahal. The Taj Museum of Agra provides the opportunity to the tourists and visitors to take a close look at the original pieces of drawings of this magnificent marble monument. The study of the drawings indicates the level of accuracy and precision that had been initiated in planning the structure of the Taj Mahal. No wonder that the Taj still features among the Seven Wonders of the World.The Taj Museum remains open from 10 o' clock in the morning to 5 o' clock in the afternoon. These drawings also show the layout of the graves. Drawings of the interiors show the position of the graves in such precision that the foot of the graves faces the spectator from any angle. Besides, there are many other bewitching collections that will catch the fancy of the tourists. |
|
JAHANGIRI MAHAL |
Top^ |
 Jahangiri Mahal is the most important building of the Akbari period and the most significant building inside the Agra Fort. The Jahangir Mahal was the principal zenana palace. A splendid gateway leads to an interior courtyard surrounded by grand halls covered with profuse carvings on stone, heavily fashioned brackets, piers, and crossbeams. The zenana palce was built for women belonging to the royal household and was mainly used by the Rajput wives of Akbar. The Jahangir Mahal in Agra boasts a splendid gateway which leads to an interior courtyard surrounded by grand halls covered with profuse carvings on stone, heavily fashioned brackets, piers, and crossbeams. You can still spot the remains of decorations in gold and blue done in the prevalent Persian style. The features of the Jahangir Mahal are mixed in Transoxanian or Central Asian features such as the verandah on the east front with its high slender columns with courtyard halls styled in the broader Gujarat-Malwa-Rajasthan tradition. This tradition has been passed onto the Mughals by the architecture of Raja Man Singh of Gwalior in the early 16 th century. |
|