Rambagh Gardens Agra

Introduction

The Mughal emperors were perhaps one of the greatest rulers of the country and leading influences in shaping the country into what she is today. Much of the influences of the dynasty can still be seen all around the country today, notable amongst which is the dynasty's architectural prowess. The Mughals were responsible for the construction of a number of forts, palaces, tombs and gardens. The Mughal gardens of pleasure were especially noteworthy. In these gardens of pleasure, the Mughal rulers tried to reincarnate the image of paradise as conceptualized by most Islamic texts. One of these gardens is the Rambagh Gardens in Agra .

Location

Conceptualized by Babur, the first of the Mughal emperors in India, the Rambagh Garden is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh just 3 kms away from the Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah and 500 meters away from the Chini ka Rauza.

Foundation

The Rambagh Gardens or Bagh-i-gul Afshan as they are also known were established by Babur and later renovated by Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir and one of the most influential Mughal empresses.

Architecture
The Garden which is also known as Bagh-i-Gul Afshan is planned following the Charbagh pattern which consists of four main divisions crisscrossed by paths and waterways. Water which forms a very integral part of Islam is almost likened to life in these pleasure parks. The main source of water in the Rambagh Gardens is the Yamuna from which water is distributed all around the park in a series of three cascades developed over three terraces. Besides these there are stairs on either side of the water channels, fountains, an island platform and two pavilions on either side of the main water channel, that truly go a long way into converting the Rambagh Gardens into a real paradise.