History of Agra is a city located on the Yamuna River bank in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Hindu history claims that the Sanskrit word Agra, which means the first of many groves and little forests where Krishna (God) frolicked with the Gopis (Girls) of Vrindavan, Agra, also known as Akbarabad in the Mughal Era. The Muslim ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, Sikandar Lodi, founded Agra in 1504. The other modern side of Agra was founded by Akbar in 1558 and is known all over the world as the city of Taj. After the death of Sultan in 1517, the city went into the hands of his son, Sultan Ibrahim Lodhi. He ruled his sultanate from Agra until he was defeated and killed by Mughal Emperor Babar in the first battle of Panipat, fought in 1526. This marked the beginning of a golden age for Agra, as it became the capital of the Mughal Empire during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.

TAJ MAHAL: A Monument of Love

The Taj Mahal, often referred to as the “Crown of Palaces,” is one of the most iconic structures in the world, an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.

This architectural brilliance is a monument symbolising eternal love and was commissioned by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, in 1631 to house the tomb of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it houses the tomb of Shah Jahan too.

The central structure, made solely of white marble, is intricately carved with calligraphy and precious stones. The central dome is 73 meters tall, and the minarets are on both sides. The white marble of the Taj Mahal changes its colour according to the time of day: pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, and golden when it’s under the light of the moon.

Construction of the mausoleum was completed in 1638. The Taj Mahal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. The Taj is a major tourist attraction and attracts more than five million visitors a year, symbolising India’s rich cultural heritage. In 2007, it was declared as the 7th wonder of the world.

AGRA FORT: A Bastion Power

It may represent love and beauty as with the Taj Mahal, but this fort symbolises strength and endurance. The immense fortification stands around 2.5 km northwest of the Taj Mahal. This was actually the residence of the Mughal emperors till 1638. Agra Fort actually came into existence way back in the 11th century, when it was nothing but a simple brick fort known as “Badalgarh.” However, it was in the reign of Emperor Akbar that this very fort had been developed into the impressive shape we witness today. In 1565, Akbar started the reconstruction of the fort in red sandstone, which was later augmented by Jahangir and Shah Jahan.

It was a military base, a royal palace, and an administrative centre. Its strategic location along the Yamuna River made it an essential asset in the control of northern India.

The Agra Fort is a great structure with a semicircular layout, surrounded by walls that stand at 70 feet in height and by a moat. There are two main entrances to the fort: the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate, although only the latter is currently accessible to visitors.

There are many palaces, courtyards, and mosques:

• Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience): This was an open-air pavilion where the emperor would listen to the grievances of the public.
• Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience): This was a more private room where the emperor would meet dignitaries and nobles.
• Jahangir’s Hauz: It was a large, ornate bowl used for ceremonial purposes.
• Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors): This is renowned for its intricate mirror work, reflecting lights in dazzling patterns.
• Khas Mahal: A white marble palace that served as Shah Jahan’s private residence.
• Musamman Burj: A beautiful octagonal tower where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. Here, he spent his final years gazing at the Taj Mahal.

In 1983, the Agra Fort was also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it stands as a proud reminder of the city’s storied past.

ITMAD-UD-DAULA:- (Baby Taj)

It’s a mausoleum in the city of Agra in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Often described as a “jewel box,” sometimes called the “Bachcha Taj” or the “Baby Taj,” the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal.

Primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations, as in Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi and Akbar’s tomb in Sikandra.

The mausoleum, situated in the centre of a quadrangle (charbagh) on the left bank of the river Yamuna adjacent to Chini Ka Rauza, stands on a red sandstone plinth.

The walls are of white marble from Rajasthan encrusted with semi-precious stone and more elaborate decorations like cut fruit or vases containing bouquets. The interior decoration is considered by many to have inspired that of the Taj Mahal, which was built by her stepson, Mughal ruler Shah Jahan.

This is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg and his wife, Asmat Begum. He came from Iran and was the servant to Akbar and the father of the famous Nur Jahan and the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal of the Taj Mahal fame. The tomb in the following pages was erected by Nur Jahan from 1622 to 1628 for her parents, and her own and that of Jahangir are situated at Lahore.