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. |