Agra Tourism
About Agra
Agra
is famous as being home to one of the seven wonders of the world-the Taj Mahal.
The architectural splendour 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.
While its significance as a political centre ended with the transfer of the
capital to Delhi in 1634 by Shah Jahan, its architectural wealth has secured
its place on the international map.
A pleasant town with comparatively slow pace, Agra is known for its superb inlay
work on marble and soastone by craftsman who are descendant of those who worked
under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery
and leather shoes.
Agra was once the capital of the Mughal empire and even today it seems to linger
in the past . Not surprising , for the Mughal emperors with their passion for
building, endowed the city with some of the finest structures in the world .
It is very easy to slip away here through the centuries into the grandeur and
intrigues of the Mughal court .
Agra
is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabana, a forest
that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata.
In more recent times Agra came into prominence when Sikandar Lodi made it his
capital city in 1501 . The Lodi rule was to end very soon and Agra passed into
the possession of the Mughals .
It was during the time of the third emperor Akbar that Agra came into its own
. He embarked on the construction of the massive Agra Fort in 1565. Though Akbar
was diverted into building a new capital at Fatehpur sikri not far away.
Agra continued to retain its importance and Shah Jehan, Akbar's garndson ornamented
the city with that masterpiece of Mughal architecture - the Taj Mahal and built
several other beautiful buildings within the Agra fort .
Other Places of Interest
in Agra
Agra Fort
The great Mughal Emperor Akbar commissioned the construction of the Agra Fort
in 1565 A.D., although additions were made till the time of his grandson Shah
Jahan.
Sikandra Fort
The mausolumn of emperor Akbar represent his philosphy and secular outlook,
combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative region.
Completed in 1613 A.D. by his son Jahangir, it is one of the well preserved
monuments. This is the last resting place of the Mughal Empror Akbar.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah
Itmad-ud-Daulah is the tomb of Mirza Ghyas Beg, a persian who had obtained service
in Akbar Court. The Marvel tomb was made by Emperor Jehangir's Queen, Noorjahan,
for his father Mirza Ghyas Beg during 1622-1628 A.D.
The Craftmanship at Itmad-ud-Daulah foreshadows that of the Taj Mahal. It was
here that. "Pietra Dura"-the inlay work on marble-so characteristic
of the Taj-was first used.
Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is an epic in red sandstone. A city of yeasteryear, today lost
in the mists of time. Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar during
1564 A.D.. Mughal Emperor Akbar had no heir. He visited holy men to enlist their
prayers for his son.
Radha Swami Samadhi
This is the head quarter of Radhaswami religion, here the holy ashes of the
founder of the faith have been preserved. On the sprawing lawns here, is a beautiful
marvel temple with beautiful carving of fruits, flowers, leavesand plants which
have been reduced into stone true to nature, and are distinctive speciments
of the plastic arts. This is under construction for almost 100 years.
Taj Mahotsav
Come February, and it's springtime. The time of the year when nature dawns all
its colourful splendour and Agra bursts into colourful celebrations. For 10
days there is sheer celebration of U.P.'s rich heritage of arts, crafts, culture,
cuisine, dance and music. Yes, it is Taj Mahotsav time again. There are festivities
all around and Agra truly puts on the colours of joy and gets transformed into
one non-stop carnival. Organised by U.P. Tourism and held as an annual event
at Shilpgram, literally next door to the Taj Mahal, the Taj Mahotsav is indeed
a fitting tribute to the legendary skills of mastercraftsman and other exponents
of art, music and cuisine. Not only this, it is also a gentle peep into the
rich heritage and extraordinary legacies of this wounderful land. The festivities
commence with a spectacular procession inspired by mughal splendour. Bedecked
elephanbts and camels, drum beaters, folk artistes and mastercraftsmen... all
help recreate a visual delight reminiscent of the golden era of the Mughal Darbars.
All rights reserved by India Taj Mahal