TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN AGRA
Founded By: Badal Singh
Established In: 1475
Main Attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort
MONUMENTS
Taj
Mahal
Even as the world is caught in the skirmishes of War & peace, Nuclear
and Non-Nuclear; Taj has stood as the epitome of love.
This
extravagant monument of love is one of the most visited and most
photographed places in the world. Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in the
memory of his beautiful wife Mumtaz Mahal. Taj Mahal was the culmination
point of Indo-Persian architecture. The Mughals Emperor were always fond
of constructing monuments. Perhaps they knew that they would be gone but
these structures will remind the world of their grandeur.
More about The
Taj Mahal
Agra
Red Fort
Agra which lies on the west bank of river Jamuna became one of the
principal cities of the Mughal Empire after the death of Ibrahim Lodi at
Panipat in 1526. When Akbar choose Agra as his capital he laid the
foundation of the Fort of Agra. After Taj this was one of the most
important group of buildings. The construction was started in 1565 and was
completed in about eight years at a cost of thirty five lakh of rupees
under the superintendence of Qasim Khan Mir Barr-u-Bahr. This fort was
just one of the many large fortified residences that the emperor wanted to
have at various strategic points of his empire. According to contemporary
chroniclers like Abul Fazal the fort contained over five hundred
buildings. But later on Akbar's descendants added new buildings, mainly in
marble to the fort and demolished the old ones.
More about Agra
Fort
Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb
This tomb belongs to the father of Nur Jahan, Ghias-ud-Din Beg. He was
the Wajir or the Chief Minister of Emperor Jehangir. This white marble
tomb was built by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628. The tomb may not be as
mammoth as the Taj but the inlay designs and carvings are no less than Taj
if not more. The delicate marble latticework in the passages allows the
light to enter the interiors. A similar tomb was built by Nur Jahan for
Jehangir in Lahore. This tomb was the first complete marble Moghul
structure.
Chini-Ka-Rauza
A tomb of glazed tiles is a memorial dedicated to poet-scholar and later
the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan, Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah of
Shiraz.
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.
Jehangir
Palace
This was built by Akbar for his favorite son Jehangir to provide him with
the comfort and luxury inside the fort. This palace displays an excellent
combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture
Ram Bagh
Bagh-i-Gul Afshan or Ram Bagh is one of the earliest gardens of Mughal
empire. Originally this garden was set up by Babur but it was later on
renovated and renamed by Jehangir as Bagh-i-Nur Afshan. This garden is
situated on the southern side of riverine Sarai of Nur Jehan. Babur
introduced in this garden three terrace. The water, which was drawn from
the river, descended from one terrace to another after flowing through a
network of canals, tanks and water chutes. Each water chutes had stairs on
both sides and ends in a red sandstone pond. To add to the beauty of the
garden apart from the various water device platforms, pathways, Chhatris
and a variety of plants were provided at regular intervals. During
Jehangir's reign two beautiful suites on the two sides of the main terrace
was built. In the centre a Mah-tab or island platform was built which was
connected with the mainwater system. This gorgeous garden set on the
riverbank is a typical example of Mughal pleasure garden.
Octagonal Tower
The Musamman Burj, or Octagonal Tower, stands close to the Diwan-I-Khas
and the small, private Mina Masjid. Also known as the Saman Burj, this
tower was built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal and is another of his
finely designed buildings. It was here, with its views along the Yamuna to
the Taj, that Shah Jahan died in 1666, after seven years' imprisonment.
Unfortunately the tower has been much damaged over the years.
Dayal Bagh Temple
In Dayal Bagh, 10 km north of Agra. The white marble Samadhi of the Radah
Soami religion is currently under construction. It was started in 1904 and
is nor expected to be completed until sometime next century. You can see
Pietra Dura inlaid marblework actually being worked on. Dayal Bagh is 2km
north of Agra and can be reached by bus or cycle.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS IN AGRA
The
Taj Mahotsav
One of the most awaited cultural festivals in India is the Taj Mahotsav.
The festival is organized during February. This ten day extravaganza is
held in the Shilpgram close to the Taj. Taj Mahotsav brings the extensive
arts, crafts and culture of India on display. This festival has the
classical dance and classical song performances by some of the well known
artists in India. Mushairas and ghazal programmes add to the colour of the
festival. Camel and elephant rides accompanied by games and delicacies
attract children and elders in equal numbers. more...
Bateshwar
Fair:
Situated at a distance of 70 km. from Agra on the banks of river Yamuna,
Bateshwar is an important spiritual and cultural centre and also the
birthplace of the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee. more...
Rambarat:
The marriage procession of Sri Ram called as 'Rambarat' is held every
year, during Ramlila celebrations at Agra. more...
Kailash
Fair:
The Kailash fair is held at Kailash, 12 kms from Agra during the months
of August-September. more...
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