Agra, or the city of the Taj, as it is known all over the world,
forms the first destination on the itinerary of most travelers
coming into India. Forming part of the famous 'Golden Triangle'
(Delhi-Jaipur-Agra), it is placed on the western bank of the
Yamuna. The magnificent Taj Mahal, which is the pride of this
city, is set around a Charbagh or 'four garden' plan, which is
split by watercourses—a reflection of the Persian style.
History
Agra finds mention in the Mahabharata as Agraban. This city of
the Taj was established in 1475 by Badal Singh but came into its
own when Sikander Lodi chose it as his capital, only to be
eventually defeated by Babur, who laid the foundation of the
Mughal empire. Agra reached its zenith during the reign of the
Mughal Empire, becoming the center of art, culture, commerce,
and learning. By the mid-16th and early 17th century, Agra
witnessed a frenzied building activity purely in the
contemporary Mughal style, and it was during this time that the
symbol of love—the Taj Mahal—was built.
Culture
Agra has witnessed the rise of the pomp and pageantry of the
Mughal Monarchs, who lavished their love and riches on this
fabled city, bringing a change in the culture and lifestyle of
the people. Agra is one of the most important centres for
handicrafts, made of marble and soft stone inlay work. Major
handicraft products of Agra, besides inlay work, are
leatherware, brassware, carpets, jewellery, and embroidery work.
The major languages spoken here are Hindi, Urdu, and English.
How to Reach
Agra is well connected by road, rail, and air. By air, Kheria
airport is 6 km from Agra and is well connected to cities like
Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Khajuraho, Jaipur, Varanasi,
and other important cities. By rail, the nearest and main
railheads are Agra Cantt, Raji-ki-Mandi, and Agra Fort railway
stations, which are well connected to Delhi, Gwalior, Bhopal,
Bangalore, Jammu Tawi, and other parts of the country. By road,
Agra is well connected by good motorable roads. For those
driving from Delhi, the best route is by Mathura Road via
Faridabad. It is also well connected to the neighbouring states
of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, with frequent bus services to
Khajuraho, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Mathura.
Tourist Places
The Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world and the epitome of
love, beauty, and sacrifice. Built by Shah Jahan in the memory
of his queen, Mumtaz Mahal, its construction is believed to have
taken 22 years to complete with over 20,000 craftsmen working
round the clock. Even as the world is caught in the skirmishes
of war and peace, nuclear and non-nuclear, Taj has stood as the
epitome of love. One of the most visited and photographed places
in the world, this extravagant monument of love is the
culmination point of Indo-Persian architecture.
Itmad-ud-Daulah
Situated opposite the Taj Mahal on the other side of the River
Yamuna, Itmad-ud-Daulah houses a magnificent mausoleum of Ghias
Beg, father of Noor Jehan and Chief Minister of Emperor
Jehangir. This white marble tomb and the first complete marble
Mughal structure may not be as mammoth as the Taj, but the inlay
designs and carvings are equally exquisite. The delicate marble
latticework in the passages allows light to enter the interiors.
Nur Jahan built a similar tomb for Jehangir in Lahore.
Jehangir's Palace
Dayal Bagh is the birthplace of the Radhaswami sect, founded by
a banker of Agra, Swami Shiv Dayal, in 1861. It is a place of
pilgrimage for members of this sect and a temple is built here
in honour of their fourth Guru.
Agra Fort
Agra Fort is situated in the center of the town. Built
principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the
red sandstone Agra Fort was partially converted into a palace
during Shah Jahan's time. Though Akbar built the principal
structure, his grandsons made many more additions.
Sikandra
This deserted city lies along the top of a ridge. This new
capital of Akbar had to be abandoned only 14 years after it was
created due to lack of water. But the splendid palaces and
mosques remain as a vanquished dream. The ghost city is worth
viewing for its buildings, which can be classified into
religious, secular, and architectural wonders. The latticework
of Jama Masjid and the Dargah of Sheikh Salim Chishti are among
the finest in India. The Bais Palace, Birbal's House, Mariam's
House, Panch Mahal, Shahi Darwaza, and the Buland Darwaza
definitely deserve a visit.