Agra
or the city of Taj Mahal as it is known the world over has its roots dating
back to the time of Mahabaratha. Situated on the west-bank of river Yamuna,
Agra is now the industrial city of Uttar Pradesh. Agra is not only a reputed
tourist destination but also a shopper's paradise. It offers breathtakingly
beautiful handcrafted items that are made of pure leather.
Established in the year 1475 by Badal Singh, Agra finds a mention in the
Mahabharata as Agraban. Those days it was considered as the sister city of
Mathura which was more prominent than Agraban. Agra came into its own when
the Lodhi Kings chose this place beside the Yamuna as their capital city.
Sikander Lodhi made Agra his capital but Babar defeated the Lodhis to
capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal empire. The
coming of Babar heralded a new era which saw Agra at its zenith during the
reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It was during Akbar's period that
Agra became the center of art, culture and commerce and learning. This trend
reached its height when Shah Jahan became the ruler.
Agra invites a tourist for a memorable holiday in India. It has some of the
most admired attractions including the stunning Taj Mahal, the Red Fort and
Itmad-Ud-Daula's tomb.
The old part of the town, north of the fort, is where the main market place
is. The modern township is on the south. Agra has a magnificent fort and
many other monuments from the Mughul era, not to mention the Taj Mahal,
which are major attractions to the tourists.
Major tourist attractions
Taj Mahal
To people the world over, the Taj Mahal, mausoleum of Mughal Emperor shah
Jana's chief wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is synonymous with India. The Taj is
undoubtedly one of the most spectacular buildings of the world. Renowned for
its architectural magnificence and aesthetic beauty, it counts among man's
proudest creations and is invariably included in the list of the world's
foremost wonders.
The origin of the name the "Taj Mahal" is not clear. According to
some court histories from Shah Jehan's reign people used to call it the
rauza (tomb) of Mumtaz Mahal. It is generally believed that "Taj Mahal"
(usually translated as either "Crown Palace" or "Crown of the
Palace") is an abbreviated version of her name, Mumtaz Mahal (Exalted
One of the Palace).
Its gentle curves, swelling domes and the square base upon which its rests
so lightly is a familiar image found in hundreds of brochures and travel
books. As a tomb, it has no match upon earth, for mortal remains have never
been housed in greater grandeur.
Agra
Red 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. The design of Delhi Red Fort has been
inspired by this sprawling fort that extends upto 2.5 kms.
Diwan-e-Am
This structure was originally made out of wood but was later constructed in
the present form by Shah Jahan. The throne room bears a clear influence of
Shah Jahan style with the inlaid carvings and panels of marble with floral
motifs. This hall of public hearing is the place where the Emperor heard the
petitions of the public and met the officials. The hall of public hearing
gives way to the Nagina Mosque and the Ladies bazaar where only ladies
merchants were allowed to sell items to the Moghal ladies.
Diwan-e-Khas
This was the hall of private audience. This hall was also added by Shah
Jahan. This hall is divided into two rooms connected by three arches and it
was here that the famous peacock throne was kept before being shifted to
Delhi by Aurangzeb and finally carried away to Iran.
Sheesh Mahal
Opposite to the Mussaman Burj and just below the Diwan-E- Khas hall is the
Sheesh Mahal or the glass palace. It is believed to have been the harem
dressing room and its walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors, which are the best
specimens of glass mosaic decoration in India.
Jahangiri Mahal
This is the first notable building inside the Agra Fort. It was built by
Akbar as women's quarters and is the only building that survives among his
or9iginall palace buildings. It si isilt of stone and is simply decorated in
the exterior. This elegant, double storeyed building reflects a strong Hindu
influence with protruding balconies and domed chhatris.
Jama Masjid or Jami Masjid
Built by Shah Jahan in 1648, the main gate of this mosque has inscription
written on it that it was built by Jahanara Begum. She was the favorite
daughter of Shah Jahan and was imprisoned with him. The absence of minarets
and the shape of the dome give sit a distinguished character.
How to reach here
The city of Taj, Agra is one of the hottest tourist destinations in India
and all facilities have been provided for the easy access to this place.
Air : Agra boast of its own airport which is connected by
major national and international cities.
Rail : The city is also connected by trains from almost
every corner of the nation.
Road : One can also avail the excellent bus services to
Agra from its neighboring states. The state transports have deluxe as well
as ordinary bus services for the people.
