Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb
The Bejeweled Marble Box
Part of the fascination of Agra is its incredible cultural wealth, so beautifully evident in the form of medieval Mughal tombs, one of which is the amazing tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daulah. Itmad-Ud-Daulah, a title which means, pillar of the state, was bestowed upon to Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the father of Nur Jahan, Emperor Jahangir’s wife. Often labeled as the baby Taj Mahal, this tomb is also rightly called the "bejeweled marble box". Situated at the eastern bank of the Yamuna River, the structure consists of numerous outbuildings and gardens along with the main building. The tomb which was built between 1622 and 1628 is a fine manifestation of the first phase of monumental Mughal architecture. It is a structure built out of red sandstone with marble decorations that resembles Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi. The mausoleum is set on a base about 50 sq meters and is about 1 meter high. The mausoleum itself is about 23 meters square. On each corner there are hexagonal towers, about 13 meters tall. This sun splashed white marble structure with its onyx and topaz decorations is one fine destination with its deeply indented images of cypress trees and fruit vases all of which form one beautiful structure that is supposed to have inspired the design of the Taj Mahal.
Trips that visit Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb
- North India and Nepal TourDay 6: In Agra 14 days
Near Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb
More to see around Uttar Pradesh.
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Sight
Aarti at Varanasi
This is particularly interesting to see in Varanasi where elaborate Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh ghat is held every evening, just after sunset.
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Sight
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 Shah Jehan.
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Sight
Allahabad
Allahabad is an inscrutable place and the ideal way to untie its ambiguity is by exploring it on a walking trip among its narrow alleys and bustling streets.
