The heritage city of Agra is one of the most visited places in the world. No trip to India can be considered complete without visiting this heritage city of India. The city houses three UNESCO world heritage sites, and one of those sites, the world has chosen to be the “Wonder of the World”. An incredible paradigm of Indo-Islamic architecture and universally admired masterpieces of the world heritage ‘The Taj Mahal’ millions of travelers visit Agra from all across the world
If we look back in time and sift through the annals of history, the origin of the city of Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from its vibrant Culture, Art, and Religious philosophies that have enriched eras over centuries. The foundation of the imperial capital can be traced to the epic age. Agra is an ancient town, and its name is derived from Agrabana or Agravana, a forest area as mentioned in the epic Mahabharata
Agra was in the limelight for the first time in medieval history when Sikandar Lodhi, the ruler of Delhi Sultanate, decided to shift his capital from Delhi to Agra in early 16th century
The historical importance of Agra city began during Sikandar Lodi’s reign. In 1504 Sultan Sikandar Lodi, the Afghan ruler of the Delhi Sultanate rebuilt Agra and made it the seat of government. The city of Agra located on the bank of the River Yamuna or Jamuna grew into a power point with the presence of royal officials, merchants, scholars, theologians, and artists. The city became the most important center of Islamic learning in India.
After the death of Sultan Sikandar Lodi, the city passed on to his son, Sultan Ibrāhīm Lodī, who ruled his Sultanate from Agra until he fell fighting to a Timurid prince, and ruler from Central Asia Babur in the battle of Panipat fought in 1526
Babur, whose real name was Mīrzā Zahīr ud-Dīn Muhammad; was the founder of the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent, Babur was a descendant of Timur from his father’s side and a descendant of Genghis Khan from his mother’s side. After Mughal Emperor Babur, his successor Mughal Emperor Humayun, whose real name was Nasir-ud-Din Muhammad was crowned in 1530. He was defeated in 1540 by Afghan Ruler Sher Shah Suri, whose real name was Farid Khān, the founder of the Sur Empire in India., and the city remained with the Suris till 1555 – 1556 when Emperor Humayun recaptured it
After Humayun, his son Mughal Emperor Akbar, whose full name was Abu’l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, followed by his son Mughal Emperor Jahangir, whose real name was Nur-ud-Din Muhammad Salim, and then his grandson Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, whose real name was Shihab-ud-Din Muhammad Khurram, under the Mughals the city of Agra immortalized in the history of the world
The golden age of Agra city began with the Mughals. It was known then as Akbarabad and remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under the Mughal Emperors Akbar, Jahangīr, and Shah Jahan. Agra city is primarily a witness to Mughal architectural excellence and their love of building unique structural designs
Agra developed into a huge canvas depicting the glorious days of Mughal rule in India. It turned into one of the most important cities of medieval India. The Mughals lived and reigned in India from 1526 to 1858 AD. Their dynasty was the greatest, richest, and longest-lasting Muslim dynasty to rule India. This dynasty produced the finest and most elegant arts and architecture in the history of Muslim dynasties in India
Mughal Emperor Babar, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the river Yamuna called the Aram Bagh or the Garden of Relaxation. His grandson Mughal Emperor Akbar raised the towering ramparts of the Great Red Fort and made this city a center for learning, arts, commerce, and religion. Akbar also built a new town on the outskirts of Agra called Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar’s son Jahangir was fond of painting, music, architecture, and flora and fauna. He protected the artists and established in his capital a workshop that welcomed the artists who had his preference and laid many unique gardens inside the Agra Fort. The landmarks with historical and architectural significance Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar and the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah completed during the time of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, and after Jahangir, his son Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan known for his keen interest in architecture, who gave the city a most prized monument the Taj Mahal. Built-in loving memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal whose real name was Arjumand Banu Begum
After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Marathas, and the British started gaining control over Agra. The successors of the Mughal Dynasty were not strong enough to regain Agra and were restricted mainly to Delhi. The Marathas ruled Agra in 1570 before succumbing to the British in the early 1800s. Gradually, the historical city of Agra lost its shine and significance, which it once enjoyed during the Mughal Era
Though the city is no more a point of power and significance as it once counted, tales of its iconic history still echo, not just inside the Taj, but in the narrowest of lanes, the unique cultural heritage and traditions are joints of the city, which still serves in many ways. Kings and rulers may have left Agra, far back in history, but the culture they gifted to the town, is still present in this famed city
The city of Agra is now a popular tourist destination mainly for its legendary monuments, many of which are UNESCO world heritage sites. This city completes a popular tourist circuit internationally famous as the ‘golden triangle tour’ spanning Delhi and Jaipur. Though the wonderful allure of the Taj Mahal attracts people from around the world to Agra, the Taj Mahal is not a standalone attraction, the heritage city having many architectural marvels, offers a trail of fascinating grand heritage sites to explore
Agra Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site sprawling over an area of 380,000 sq m. The amazing monument is linked with many rulers and wars. Mughal Emperor Akbar made it his capital and arrived in Agra in 1558. The great historian, Abul Fazl, recorded that this was a brick fort known as Badalgarh in a ruined condition when Akbar had rebuilt the fort with red sandstone. Some 4,000 builders worked on it daily for eight years, completing it in 1573. Mughal Dynasty holds it until 1638 as their capital until their capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. It was also known as the “Qila-i-Akbari”
Fatehpur Sikri (The city of victory) is a UNESCO world heritage site just around 40 km from Agra city, an exceptional testimony to the prime destinations for the excellence of Indo-Islamic architecture founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Its form and layout strongly influenced the evolution of Indian town planning; the capital of the Mughal Empire for around 10 years. The complex of monuments, all in a uniform architectural style, is the typical Mughal walled city, with well-defined private and public areas and imposing gateways. Emperor Akbar had planned this city as his capital but the shortage of water compelled him to abandon the city
It is believed that Mughal Emperor Akbar visited the village of Sikri to consult the Sufi saint Hazrat Shaikh Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne. When the prophecy came true, Akbar built his new capital here, a complex of monuments, including one of the largest mosques in India, three palaces, and many other architectural wonders. Akbar began the construction of a religious compound in honor of the Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti. A unique white marble encased tomb of the Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti, within the Jama Masjid’s courtyard
Fatehpur Sikri monument complex includes the unique Buland Darwaza (High Gate) over 180 ft high from the ground, carries inscriptions in the archway, which read ‘Isa, Son of Mariam said; The world is a bridge, pass over it, but build no houses on it. He who hopes for an hour may hope for eternity. The world endures but an hour. Spend it in prayer, for the rest is unseen’ not to consider the world as a permanent home and hope for worldly things, as human life is of short duration. Verses from the Quran have been carved in Naskh (script) along the top
Sikandra Tomb the mausoleum of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Interestingly Akbar himself selected the site of the tomb, planned the structure, and completed and laid out a beautiful garden during his lifetime. However, the topmost portion of the mausoleum in marble was built by his son, Mughal Emperor Jahangir
Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb is one of the most beautiful Mughal tombs constructed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir; this tomb comprises cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas and Asmat Begum, who were parents of Mughal Empress Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir, whose real name was Mehr-un-Nissa Bagum. Many believe this monument was the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. For this fact, it is known the ‘Baby Taj Mahal’
Chini Ka Rauza is a mausoleum Mullah Shukrullah Shirazi, known by the royal title Afzal Khan, was a Mughal courtier during the reigns of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and Shah Jahan. The monument is set amid well-tendered gardens and is known for its blue-glazed tile. The glazed tiles used in the construction are made from porcelain, known as Chini Mitti or Chinese Clay. The monument place is a curtain raiser to an exotic Persian art style
Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani Bagum or Mariam’s Tomb was built in memory of the favorite wife of Mughal Emperor Akbar Mariam-uz-Zamani Bagum. Born as a Rajput Princess, Heer Kunwari who is famously known as ‘Jodha Bai’ was married to Akbar in 1562 and rechristened as Mariam-uz-Zamani Bagum. She was the mother of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and grandmother of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Jahangir built a tomb for her close to the tomb of Akbar
Jama Masjid of Agra (The Jama Mosque of Agra) is one of the Largest Mosques built by the Mughals in India. This Masjid houses a rectangular open forecourt constructed in 1648 by Jahanara Begum, daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The construction of Jama Masjid required some 5,000 workers, and its construction completed in the time of six years
Ram Bagh (The Ram garden) laid out by the Mughal Emperor Babur was established in 1528. It is said that Babur was temporarily buried here before being taken to Kabul in Afghanistan
Mehtab Bagh built by Emperor Babur, a beautiful garden close to the Taj Mahal. The garden complex is square in shape and perfectly aligned with the Taj Mahal
Centuries ago, groups of craftsmen, designers, and artisans from all over the world came here to create wonders of art and unparalleled structures. The best part is some of these creative styles have been preserved and continued by the same families of artisans. For centuries, they have developed a wide variety of skills and passed them down through the generations
The carving, cutting, inlaying, polishing, and transforming raw blocks of marble into the unparalleled designs you see today. Watching them work with their skillful hands is a surreal experiences altogether, definitely a unique addition to the Agra trip. You can explore it for its rich live history, intriguing stories, and inspiring people who create art every day
Traditional cuisines of Agra are still touched and flavoured by its Mughal past. Mughlai cuisine mainly consists of meat enriched with creamy, boldly flavored curries, with lots of dried fruits and spices. Mughal cuisines in varieties are available in restaurants all around the city
With HalalTrip India, you’ll discover all these and much more; our tours aim to uncover cultural intricacies and connections across a wide range of subject areas and themes including art, architecture, archaeology, history, and the natural image of this unique destination. Our services are a combination of vibrant Indian history and culture with gorgeous natural scenery. Our tours are not just ordinary tours, but meaningful experiences for the longest memories
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