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Agra Sightseeing
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Taj Mahal
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Described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love, it was
constructed by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal,
made out of white marble took 22 years to complete (1630-1652 AD).
Ustad Ahamad Lahori, a Persian Architect, is said to be the main designer and planner for this magnificent memorial. On full moon nights, the glory of the Taj is at its best. Legend has it that once the
construction was completed, Shah Jehan had Lahori's hands cut off and his eyes gouged out, so he would never be able to duplicate the structure. Over the centuries, the Taj has attracted more visitors than
perhaps any other Monuments in the country, and it is all too easy resort to conventional superlatives when describing it. What makes the Taj
Unique is its perfect proportions, distinct femininity, medium of construction and ornamentation. Its marble exterior reflects rose and golden tints at sunrise and sunset, while it is dazzling white
during the day and glowes pearl-like in the moonlight and during the monsoon.
Standing on a high plinth, the Taj Mahal is visible for miles around and forms a backdrop to mustard fields and mud-walled villages. It can be seen from guestrooms at
some of Agra's hotels, as well as from the landscaped gardens to the west of the complex.
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Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb
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This tomb belongs to the father of Nur Jahan, Ghias-ud-Din Beg.
He was the Wajir or the Chief Minister of Emperor Jehangir.
This white marble tomb was built by Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628.
The tomb may not be as mammoth as the Taj but
the inlay designs and carvings are no less than Taj if not more.
The delicate marble latticework in the passages allows the light to enter the interiors.
A similar tomb was built by Nur Jahan for Jehangir in Lahore. This tomb was the first complete marble Moghul structure.
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Agra Fort
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Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the
Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson,
Shah Jahan. In Akbar's time the fort was principally a military structure, but during Shah Jaha regin it had
partially become Palace. It is an imposing strcture with walls of red sandstone almost three kilometers long.
Entered through the Amar Singh Gate, the eastern part of the fort contain palace, audience hall and mosques built by three emperors.
The fort presents a good sampling of their favoured architectural styles. Akbar drew on Islamic and Hindu traditions and the result is eclectic.
By Shah Jahan's time the style had become so homogenized that it is impossible to seprate the Hindu and Muslim strands.
The Diwan-i-Am (public audience hall), the beautiful Diwan-i-Khas (private audience hall) and the magnificent Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) were
also added by Shah Jahan.
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Jami Masjid
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Across the railway tracks from the Delhi Gate of Agra Fort,
the Jami Masjid was built by Shah Jahan in 1648.
An inscription over the main gate indicates
that it was built in the name of Jahanara,
Shah Jahan's daughter, who was eventually imprisoned with Shah Jahan by Aurangzeb.
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Chini Ka Rauza
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It is the only building in India to be decorated exclusively with glazed tile work. The
tiny mausoleum overlooking the River Yamuna was the tomb of Afzal Khan, a minister in the
court of Shah Jahan.
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Rambagh |
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Previously known as Araambagh, is the probably amongst one of the first Mughal monuments of India. Built
by Emperor Babar in 1526 for his recreation, its architecture shows Afghani influences.
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Jahangir Mahal
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The biggest private residence in the Fort is the Jahangir Mahal, the Palace of Emperor Jahangir. It is an excellent blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. The palace has a hall which is called Jodhabai's dressing Room. Jodhabai was Jahangir's Hindu mother. Its desigen and layout is essentially Hindu. Later the palace was used by Jahangir's Dressing Room. Jodhabai was Jahangir's Hindu mother. Its design and layout is essentially Hindu. Later the palace was used by Jahangir's queen Noorjahan,the Light of the World. Jahangir was very found of wine as well as his queen whom he adored even more. The love of wine interfered in the day do day running of the Government.To help him out in administering imperial justice, Noorjahan sat with her husband to advise him in taking decisions. She was an iron lady and never tolerated opposition.Those who came in her way ended mysteriously in the yamuna river.
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Chisti's Tomb
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The Gateway buildings leads to the Friday mosque or the Jami Masjid.
It is believed to be a copy of the main mosque at Meca. Nearby is the small white marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti.
It is ornamented with latticed screens and serpentine brackets. Shahjahan added exquisite pieta dura work later as a
mark of respect for the saint. The tomb was built over the exact spot where the holy man sat in meditation during his lifetime. Even, today, childess couples come to
the tomb to seek the blessings of Sheikh Salim Chisti.
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