Introduction
Home to perhaps some of the finest examples of architecture
in the world, Agra is a historian's paradise. Some of
the treasures of architecture that grace the city include
the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb.
The Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah was constructed by the
Mughal queen Nur Jahan between 1622 and 1628 where her
father Itimad Ud Daulah was buried. Itimad Ud Daulah
or Mirza Ghiyas-ud-din or Ghiyas Beg was the father
of Nur Jahan, the Mughal empress and wife of Jahangir.
He was later also made a minister and a trusted treasurer
in Akbar's court. It was as a tribute to him, that Nur
Jahan built the mausoleum after his death.
Location
Located on the western bank of the Yamuna River, near
the Yamuna Bridge Railway Station, the Tomb or mausoleum
of Itimad-ud-Daulah is one of the best examples of the
perfect blend of Mughal and local architecture. Well-connected
to the other cities of the region, Agra can be easily
reached from nearby cities like:
- Khajuraho
- Varanasi
- Delhi
Architecture
The tomb itself is one of the best examples of architecture
of the region. Said to be one of the most important
influences behind the architecture of the Taj Mahal,
the Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah is one of the finest examples
of a specific genre of mausoleum architecture called
a Tomb in a Garden. The construction is such that the
tomb resembles a jewel-box set in the midst of a garden.
Tranquil and lush green, the garden where the tomb is
constructed is set on the banks of the river Yamuna.
Famous for being the first tomb in the entirety of India
to be built entirely of white marble, the Tomb of Itimad
Ud Daulah is a must see for all visitors visiting the
historic city of Agra. A perfect example of Islamic
architecture, the tomb is characterized by arched entrances,
octagonal shaped towers or minarets, use of exquisitely
carved floral patterns, intricate marble-screen work
and inlay work. However, added to this is the influence
of the locality that manifests itself in the absence
of a dome and the presence of a closed kiosk on top
of this building as well as the use of chhatris (small
domed canopies, supported by pillars) atop the four
towers (minarets) instead of proper domes, which is
more reflective of the Islamic style of architecture.
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