AGRA
PLACES TO VISIT
The world is
divided between those who have seen the Taj and those who have not. Very
soon, I hope to be on the side that has seen the Taj." Words said
by William Jefferson Clinton President, United States of America while
addressing the Indian Parliament on 22.03.2000 rightly defining the immense
architectural and emotional significance the Taj Mahal has, in the hearts
of people around the world.
Taj Mahal
Agra is famous as being home to one of the seven
wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the
mausoleums, the fort and the palaces is a vivid remainder of the mausoleums,
the fort and the palaces is a vivid reminder of the capital in the 16th
and early 17th centuries.
Agra Fort
Built by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. the
fort is a masterpiece of design and construction. Within the fort are
a number of exquisite building, including the Moti Masjid, Diwane-I-Aam,
Diwani-I-Khas and musanman Burj, where the Emperor Shah Jahan died in
imprisonment beside Jahangirs place, Khaas Mahal and the Sheesh Mahal.
Itmad - Ud Daula
To the north of the fort and across the river Yamuna
are several fine examples of Mughal architecture. The Itmad -Ud -Daula
as a by the Empress Noor Jehan as a memorial to her father Mirza Ghiyas
Beg , is beautifully ornamented with pietra dura inlay and lattice work
marble screens.
Chini Ka Roza
The tomb of Afzal Khan, the persian poet and minister
at Shah Jehan's court gets its name from the brightly coloured glazed
tiles that decorate it . Lies just 1km beyond itmad -ud -daula.
Sikandara
Welcome to Sikandra, a suburb of Agra, only 13 km.
From the Agra Fort. The last resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Akbar was the greatest of the Mughal emperors and one of the most secular
minded royalties of his time. He was the heir to a long tradition of oriental
refinement, a great patron of the arts, literature, philosophy and science.
A visit to Akbar's monument opens before one, the completeness of Akbar's
personality as completely as the Taj Mahal does of Mumtaz Mahal's.
Fatehpur Sikri
Imposing gateways and light- hearted palaces were
built in red sandstone within this fortified city only to be abandoned
a few years later. Among its many architectural game are the places for
his queens - Jodha Bai, Mariyam and his Turkish sultana, built in varying
styles, each perfect in itself.
The Diwan-e-Khas entirely unique in its concept is a tall vaulted room
with an intricately carved central pillar and capital supporting a platform
that once held the emperor's throne. Narrow galleries link this to the
corners of the room where it is believed his ministers sat The airy panch
mahal a 5 storied structure rising in pyramidal fashion was probably used
by the ladies of the court. Set like a jewel in a courtyard of pink sandstone
is the finest building here, the marble tomb of Salim Chisti enclosed
by finely carved, lacy marble screens. The Buland Darwaza, an imposing
gateway 54 m high was built to commemorate Akbar's Aligarh the famous
university town is a center of Islamic studies. The city is also noted
for its handicrafts and metal ware. |
