Travel

Majestic Agra-City Of Culture

Places Of Interest:

2.Other Monuments:

A.Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb: According to the Islamic style of Architecture, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s tomb is a highly ornate edifice. The use of arched entrances, octagonal shaped towers or minarets, use of exquisitely carved floral patterns, intricate marble-screen work and inlay work are all representative of the Islamic style. The absence of a dome and the presence of a closed kiosk on top of this building and the use of chhatris (small domed canopies, supported by pillars) atop the four towers (minarets) instead of proper domes are reflective of local influence. Empress Noor Jehan built Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, sometimes called the Baby Taj, for her father, Ghias-ud-Din Beg, the Chief Minister of Emperor Jahangir. Small in comparison to many other Mughal-era tombs, it is sometimes described as a jewel box. Its garden layout and use of white marble, pietra dura, inlay designs and latticework presage many elements of the Taj Mahal.
B.Chini Ka Rauza: Influenced by Persian architecture, the Chini Ka Rauza is dedicated to the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan, Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz.Constructed by Afzal Khan, a high official in the court of Shah Jahan, it is decorated by glazed tiles on the façade.
C.Sikandra (Akbar's tomb): Only 13 kilometres from the Agra Fort, Sikandra is the Tomb of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The vast, beautifully carved, red-ochre sandstone tomb is set amidst a lush garden. Akbar himself planned his own tomb and selected a suitable site for it. To construct a tomb in one's lifetime was a Tartary custom which the Mughals followed religiously. Akbar's son Jahangir completed the construction of this pyramidal tomb in 1613.
D.Mariam's Tomb: Mariams Tomb, enroute to Sikandra, is the last resting place of Akbar's Christian wife.

3.Important Gardens And Baghs:
A.Ram Bagh: The oldest Mughal garden in India, the Ram Bagh was built by the Emperor Babur in 1528. It lies about 2.34 km north of Taj Mahal.
B.Mehtab Bagh: Mehtab Bagh, is on the opposite bank of River Yamuna on which the Taj is present.
C.Dayal bagh: The headquarters of the Radhaswami sect. On the sprawling lawns here, is a beautiful marble temple under construction for almost 100 years now.
D.Soami Bagh Samadh: The Soami Bagh Samadh is the mausoleum of Huzur Soamiji Maharaj (Shri Shiv Dayal Singh) in the Dayalbagh section in the outskirts of the city. He was the founder of the Radhasoami Faith and the Samadh is sacred to its followers. Construction began in 1908, and it is believed that construction will never end. It is often seen as the "next Taj Mahal". The carvings in stone, using a combination or coloured marble, is life-like and not seen anywhere else in India. The picture shown is taken from the backside and shows only two floors. When completed, the samadh will have a carved dome and a gateway.

4.Religious Places In Agra:
A.Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is is the most scared building in Fatehpur Sikri and has, therefore, been built on the highest point. It has tomb of Islam Khan, and Sufi shrine or 'dargah'. The tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti is worth seeing. Originally it was built in red stone and was later faced in marble by Jahangir. The monumental gateway, Buland Darwaza is the main entrance to the mosque. The other entrance is Badshahi Darwaza, which is towards east.
B.Moti Masjid: Moti Masjid, the mosque, is contained in the Agra Fort Complex. The three rising domes of Moti Masjid are in egg white marble and reflects a smooth appearance.Built by Shah Jehan the mosque got the popular name of Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque as it shined like a pearl.
C.Bageshwarnath Temple: The temple is about two kilometres from the city centre.

5.Museums In Agra:
A.The Taj Mahal Museum: The museum is located towards the west of the Taj Mahal forms a part of the Taj Mahal Complex. The museum is popular as it houses the records and plans of construction of the great mausoleum. The museum contains original drawings of Taj Mahal, precious and semi precious stones to be used in the construction and celadon plates.
B.The Spiritual Museum: The museum which is still in its early stage of development has been built for the newly founded movement called 'Brahma Kumaris'. The participants of the movement prophesies the self realization of God as their father. The museum houses many shapes, colors and forms that tend to explain various physical phenomena. The Spiritual Museum has been constructed near the Taj Mahal Complex and is visited by a fair number of people who constitute both the art lovers as well the tourists.

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