menu
Agra
search
search
Agra
One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is located on the
banks of River Yamuna in Agra. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It also houses
the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. Constructed entirely out of white
marble in the 17th century, Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful
monuments in the world. Every year visitors numbering more than the
entire population of Agra pass through the magnificent gates to catch
a glimpse of this breathtaking monument!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal stands for the Crown of
Palaces in the Persian language. The tomb is laid out in a rectangular
shape and can be approached through a massive gateway which has an
arch and alcoves on either side of it. There are water channels and
fountains in the entrance which makes the monument even more
spectacular. The reflection of this majestic spectacle in the Yamuna
is almost poetic in its perfection! Covering an area of approximately
42 Acres, the construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1631 and it took
17 years before it was completed in 1648! It was constructed using
white marble obtained from Makrana in Rajasthan.
An architectural masterpiece, The Red Fort of Agra or Agra Fort was built by Emperor Akbar in 1573. It is located on the right bank of the River Yamuna and is made entirely of red sandstone. The historical fort was once the ersthwhile residence of the Mughals until 1638. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it lies 2.5 kilometres from Taj Mahal. Also known as Lal –Qila, Fort Rouge or Qila-i-Akbari, Agra Fort is a symbol of Agra and is so massive that it is often referred to as a walled city. It is the perfect example of Mughal art and architecture, built purely out of red sandstone. Within the premises of Agra Fort lie the most exquisite structures like the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-i I Khas, Diwan-i I Aam, Moti Masjid and Jahangiri Mahal. Some part of the Agra Fort is used by the Indian Army is off-limit to public access. View of Yamuna River and Taj Mahal from the fort's pavilions is mind-stirring.
Located at a distance of 40km from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a town in the Agra district and a famous tourist attraction. A city predominantly made of red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri was founded in 1571 century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is essentially a fortified city built by the king and had been the capital of his Empire for fifteen years. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, it is home to Jodha Bai's Palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, and Tomb of Salim Chisti among many other famous monuments. Derived from Arab and central Asian tent encampments, the Imperial Complex is a work of pavilions arranged in formal geometry on a piece of land. A unique blend of architectural excellence, as well as religious beliefs - sums up Fatehpur Sikri. It was built by Akbar to honour Sheikh Salim Chisti, whose prediction of the birth of a Mughal heir came true while Akbar was visiting the then city of Sikri. In honour of the prophecy, Akbar built this city and Jama Masjid, a stunning mosque which is still in use today. He also undertook the construction of three palaces for each of his favourite wives, one a Hindu, one a Muslim and one a Christian. An Indo-Islamic Masterpiece, Fatehpur Sikri look its resplendent best during sunset.
Often referred to as the "Baby Taj Mahal", the tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah is a Mughal mausoleum and often regarded as a copy of the Taj Mahal. This is the first tomb in India made entirely of marble. The tomb was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mir Gheyas Beg (later known as Itimad-ud-daulah), who was a minister in the court of Shah Jahan. The tomb of Itimad-ud-daulah marks the transition from the first phase of the Mughal architecture to the second. This was the first structure to make use of pietra dura and the first to be built on the banks of the Yamuna River. It basically consists of Indo-Islamic architecture, with the use of arched entrances and octagonal shaped towers. If you take a bird's eye of Itimad-ud-daulah Tomb, it looks like a jewel box set in a garden. This magnificent mausoleum, built on the banks of Yamuna, was to inspire the construction of one of the wonders of the world "Taj Mahal" in the later years.
The residential palace of Jahangir Mahal, stands tall in the Agra Fort complex. Built by Akbar, in the 17th Century, this Red Sandstone marvel is a multi-storeyed palace with a series of courtyards running from north to south, along the eastern fort wall. The palace is located north of Akbari Mahal, another important Mughal marvel that now breathes in its ruins and faces the river Jamuna. One of the most popular tourist places in Agra, the Jahangir Mahal served as a private residence to Akbar’s son and successor, Jahangir. The Jahangir Mahal is one of the first buildings you would come across when you enter Agra through the Amar Singh Gate.
Whenever someone questions about the history of Agra Fort, we always end up saying it was built by Shah Jahan, a Mughal King, in the early 17th century. But do you know the Agra Fort was actually constructed as a brick fort by the Rajput kings before the Mughal dynasty came into power? Later on, it was controlled by the Lodis until the Mughal King Akbar renovated it by using red sandstone. However, the current building of the fort was shaped by Shah Jahan.
You wouldn't believe if we say that the polluted Yamuna river was once called the Blue River on account of its pristine waters. Yes, it was so transparent and clear that one could have clearly seen its river bed with naked eyes. Today, it has become one of the most contaminated and infected rivers in the country. Only if it could retain its original beauty, it would be another wonder of Agra.
During the Mughal dynasty, Agra was one of the most popular cities in the world. It served as the capital city of their kingdom in between 1556 and 1648. It was during the period of the Mughal kings Akbar and Shah Jahan when it became the most powerful city. Kings from all over the world used to visit Agra and compliment its grandeur.
If you have ever been a student of history, then you must have studied that Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodi, who was a king of the Delhi Sultanate, in the early 16th century. But to your surprise, Agra was actually established thousands of years ago, even before the period of the epic Mahabharata when it was called Agraben. The presence of Agraben has been mentioned several times in ancient Hindu texts.
Unknown to many, St. John's College at Agra is one of the oldest colleges in the country today. It was established in the year 1850 during the British Era. Today, it is not only popular on account of its historical significance but also because of its architectural beauty. Therefore, it wouldn't be wrong to call it one of the most beautiful colleges in the country.
Agra is one of the two cities in India which house three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the other being Delhi. These UNESCO monuments at Agra include the Red Fort, the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, the twin city of Agra which was founded by Akbar. Hence, it is no wonder it forms a part of the Golden Tourism Triangle and is one of the most-visited places.
Apart from the Taj Mahal and the sweet dish petha, if there is any other thing which makes Agra top the chart is its footwear industry. Today, Agra is the largest manufacturer of shoes in the country and is the second largest exporter in the world after China. Doesn't that surprise you? So, next time when you are on a trip to this Taj City, do not forget to get yourself a pair of leather shoes.
Agra, city, western Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. It lies in the Indo-Gangetic Plain on the Yamuna (Jumna) River about 125 miles (200 km) southeast of Delhi.
There was an early reference to an “Agravana” in the ancient Sanskrit epic Mahabharata, and Ptolemy is said to have called the site “Agra.” The city was founded by Sultan Sikandar of the Lodī dynasty in the early 16th century to be the capital of the Delhi sultanate. Agra also served as the Mughal capital during some periods of that empire. In the late 18th century the city fell successively to the Jats, the Marathas, the Mughals, the ruler of Gwalior, and, finally, the British in 1803. It was the capital of Agra (later North-Western) province from 1833 to 1868 and was one of the main centres of the Indian Mutiny (1857–58).
Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal (17th century), designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. A complex mausoleum, the Taj Mahal is often considered to be the world’s best example of Mughal architecture. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahān built it for his favourite wife, Mumtāz Maḥal, in the mid-17th century. Agra Fort (16th century), called the Red Fort for its massive red sandstone walls, was built by the emperor Akbar; it contains the Pearl Mosque (Moti Masjid; 17th century), constructed of white marble, and a palace, the Jahangiri Mahal. The fort was also designated a World Heritage site in 1983.
The Jāmiʿ Masjid, or Great Mosque, and the elegant tomb of Iʿtimād al-Dawlah (1628), of white marble, are located near the Taj Mahal. To the northwest, at Sikandra, is the tomb of Akbar.
Agra is a major road and rail junction and a commercial and industrial centre known for its leather goods, cut stone, and handwoven carpets. Tourism is a major factor in the city’s economy. The city is the seat of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University (formerly Agra University), founded in 1927. The suburbs of Agra contain the state psychiatric hospital and Dayalbagh, a colony of the Radha Soami Satsang religious sect (founded in the city in 1861).
Many religious and cultural festivals are held in Agra. Janamashtami commemorates the birthday of Lord Krishna. The annual Taj Mahotsav, a 10-day arts, crafts, and music carnival, usually in February, is held in Shilpagram, a crafts village close to the Taj Mahal.