History of Agra
Agra Tourism
Perhaps no other historical monument has evoked as much awareness and admiration from tourists and travellers alike, as the magnificent Taj Mahal - fondly called by people as the ultimate requiem of love, from a great Mughal Emperor to his beloved.
So overwhelming is the exquisite beauty and presence of this marble mausoleum that centuries later today, even the very land where it has been located - Agra - has been immortalised as the City of the Taj. Yet, it doesn’t take much for the roving eye to discover that there's more to Agra than just the fabled Taj Mahal. The city is a virtual gateway to a world of discovery… a freeze-frame from a resplendant era that's long since gone by. In the great epic 'Mahabharat' the region of Agra is described as 'Agraban' (an integral part of the Brij Bhumi or the land of Lord Krishna). The latter part of Indian history outlines the origins of Agra to 1475 A.D., when the reign of Raja Badal Singh.
However, Agra came into limelight during the rule of Afghan King Sikandar Lodhi - who had made it the capital of his empire.Later in 1526 A.D., the Mughal Emperor Babar took upon himself the task for rendering Agra, a unique character and beauty of its own. The visionary that he was and a great patron of the arts, Emperor Babar brought in a change in the culture and life-style among the people of Agra, which then brought forth some of the finest craftsmen, artists, statesmen, warriors and nobility, this part of India had ever withnessed. The golden age of Agra's history, thus began to set in.
The next few hundred years of Agra witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of three great Mughal monarchs - Emperor Akbar, Jehangir and ShahJahan - all of whom lavished on this fabled city, their love and riches immeasurable to transform the land into one of the great centers of art, culture, learning and commerce.
Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence even today, in the hunting presence inside the monuments, the majesty of the buildings, the exquisite arts and crafts and not to forget, the lure of an exceptional cuisine… all, cherished as priceless legacies of a nostalgic past. The older city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent history… captivating every visitor with fond memories to take back home. Today, luxury and modern convenience also exist adjacent to tradition - luxury hotels, shopping malls and plazas, wide avenues and a superb choice of venues for recreation, business, sports, pleasure, education and the arts.
Accessibility
Air
Agra is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Khajuraho, Varanasi etc. Kheria airport is 6 km from Agra town.
Indian Airlines,Travel Corporation of India, Hotel Clarks Shiraz, 54, Taj Road, Tel : (0562) 2226821.
Jet Airlnes, Hotel Clarks Shiraz, 54 Taj Road, Tel : (0562) 2226527
Lufthansa Airlines, Hotel Clark Shiraz - (0562) 2226136
Rail
Agra is connected to the major cities of India. Agra Cantt.
Railway Station, Enquiries Tel: 131.
Reservation Tel: (0562) 2421039, 2420998.
Agra Fort Railway Station, Enquiries, Tel: 132.
Reservation, Tel: (0562) 2464131 .
Raja-ki-Mandi Railway Station, Enquiries, and Tel: 133
Reservation Tel: 2854477.
Tundla Railway Station (26 km), Enquiries, Tel: 05612-229631.
Road
Agra is well-connected to the following cities by road: Mathura, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, etc. Agra's distance by road, from the main cities is as follows : Delhi 203 km, Khajuraho 393 km, Gwalior 118 km, Jaipur 237 km, Calcutta 1287 km, Varanasi 657 km, Mussoorie 417 km, Mumbai 1204 km.
UPSRTC Bus Stand, Idgah, Enquiries, Tel : (0562) 2420324
UPSRTC Bus Stand, Opp. Power House, Enquiries, Tel : (0562)2464557
Rajasthan Roadways near Idgah Bus Stand (0562) -2420228
Local Transport
Taxies : Air Conditioned/non air-conditioned taxis are available, without meter, at the railway stations, airport, hotels and Partap Pura and at travel companies.
Other transport : Un-metered auto-rickshaws, tongas and cycle rickshaws are available, rates of which are negotiable.
Pleaces Of Intetrest
A Glorious Heritage
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal was built by a grief stricken Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. A world-renowned wonder, Taj Mahal Sits pretty on the northern side of this green paradise. It looks the same from all the four sides! The Quranic inscriptions on its four entrances are carved in such subtle increase in size that may appear to be of the same size from top to bottom! Shahjahan invited master craftsmen from as far as Italy and Persia to help design his ambitious tribute to love.
The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in the beauty alone that shines forth, but in the deep planning and design that went into its making, and the ethereal idea of immortalizing love. Delicate carvings in marble vie with gorgeous pietra dura for attention. Lapiz, Lazuli, Carnation, Mother of pearl, Agate and Emerald are inlayed in floral and geometrical patterns in the marble itself. This enchanting mausoleum, on the bank of river Yamuna started in 1631 it took 22 years to complete with the help of an estimated 20000 workers.
Open : 6 days a week
Timings : 6:00AM to 7:00PM.
The 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 Shahjahan.
The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-Am, Diwan-E-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Shahjahan died in 1666 A.D. Jahangir's Palace; Khaas Mahal and Shish Mahal.
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Chini Ka Rauza
Mausoleum of Shahjahan's prime minister (and Persian poet) Afzal Khan buit in 1635, exhibits fine use of glazed tiles. A certain raiser to an exotic Persian art style, which finds itself a home in Agra.
Open: Sunrise to sunset.
Taj Natural Walk
A beautiful natural forest cover spread over 70 hectares of area just 500 mts away from the eastern gate of Taj Mahal . An excellent view of the Taj can be found from the different mounds of the park. Flora & Funa of different species are found here.
RADHASWAMI SAMADHI, DAYALBAGH
Dayalbagh, a tribute to the founder of Radha Swami faith. Devout followers believe the service, purifies the soul. At Dayalbagh their services bears fruit in an edifice as spectacular as the Taj Built in white and colour marble, it is continuously being decorated for 100 years now with extra-ordinary feats in stone and gems.
RAM BAGH
One of the earliest Mughal gardens, it was laid out by Emperor Babur, the founder of Mughal dynasty. It is said that babur was temporarily buried here before it was taken to Kabul in Afganistan.
Open: Sunrise to sunset. Distance -11 Km
MEHTAB BAGH
Mehtab Bagh is located on the left bank of river Yamuna opposite to the Taj Mahal. The garden complex is a huge square measuring approximately 300m X 300m and in straight alignment with the Taj Mahal. The exevation has revealed a huge octagonal tank on the southern periphery : baradaris or pavilion on the east and west: a small octagonal tank at the center and a gateway at the northern wall. Distance –12 Km
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
ITMAD UD DAULAH: (Baby Taj)
Tel: 2280030
This exquisite marble tomb was made by Emperor Jahangir’s queen, Nurjahan , in the memory of her father Mirza Ghias Beg during 1622-1628 A.D. Built entirely of white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, their mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna River, exhibits a strong Persian influence. Distance-11Km
Open: Sunrise to sunset.
SIKANDRA
Tel: 2641230
It is the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar. It represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim architectures in a superlative fusion. Completed in 1613 A.D., it is one of the well preserved monument . Distance –12 Km
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
MARIYAM’S TOMB
This unique tomb in red sandstone was built in 1611 A.D. in memory of Emperor Akbar’s wife Mariyam Jamani. The tomb has some exceptional carvings. Distance 12 Km
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
JAMA MASJID
The building with rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648A.D. by Shahajahan’s daughter, Jehanara Begum in memory of the famous Shaikh Salim Chistiand his grandson Islam Khan of particular importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture. Distance 7 Km
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
TEMPLES
Mankameshwar Mandir, Rawli, Balkeshwar Mandir, Prithvinath Mandir, Rajeshwar Mandir , kailash Mandir, Renuka Dham,
BAUDDHMATH Buddha Bihar, Agra Fort Bus stand,
GURUDWARAS Guru ka Tal Gurudwara, Sikandra Mathura Road, Maithan Gurudwara, Fulatti Hathighat Gurudwara,
CHURCHES Baptist Church, Sai Ka Takia, Catholic Church,Sadar Bazar
MOSQUES Jama Masjid, Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Shaikh Salim Chisti Mazar, Fatehpur Sikri
JAIN TEMPLES Digambar Jain temple, Taj Ganj, Tirthadham, Mangalayatan, Sasni, Aligarh
Agra History
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