An Insight :
Agra has become popular worldwide as it nestles the monument of love and
one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal. Agra is one of the most
important historical and ancient cities of India. A small city of Uttar
Pradesh, Agra was built on the West Bank of the River Yamuna. The city was
established in the year 1475 by Raja Badal Singh. Agra became an important
city only after the Lodhi king Sikander Lodhi set up his capital in this
ancient city. Later the Mughal ruler Babar took over the Agra city and set
base for the establishment of the Mughal rule. It was during the Mughal
rule, especially under Babar, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan that Agra, in
North India, located on the West Bank of Yamuna, developed as a great center
of architecture, art and Mughal culture. A number of forts, buildings and
tombs were constructed during the 16th century, which was the peak period of
Mughal glory in Agra, India.
The massive monuments, majestic buildings and still flourishing arts and
crafts including leather work and Pietra dura marble-inlay work along with
delicious Mughal cuisine have now become an inseparable part or more, the
identity of the city. Agra ,is a must visit city on any Tour of India. You
can visit the ancient monuments during your tours that are spread all over
Agra and are an example of Mughal architecture and art.
Lets Explore the City of Agra :
» Taj Mahal - Reflecting the passions of Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal in Agra was built in the mid-1600s as a
tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later he was buried beside her. The beauty,
balance and peace of this symmetrical, marble masterpiece, from the detail
of colored stone inlay arranged into intricate patterns of flowers and
Arabic prayer to the perfect symmetry on every tower, make it a stunning and
unforgettable monument. Flanking the Taj are two red sandstone mosques,
which are also beautifully decorated. Only the western one functions as a
mosque - the other faces the wrong way and is there purely for symmetry.
The crowning glory of the Agra is obviously the Taj, (Taj Mahal) a monument
of love and imagination, that represents India to the world. Visit at
sunrise and sunset and watch the colors and the mood change. The pool that
so famously mirrors the image of the Taj Mahal is a favorite for Indian
family photographers.
The Taj Mahal looks astounding from across the river (where the exquisite "Baby
Taj" is), from Agra rooftops and from every angle. Up close the details
continue to amaze - marble screens, minarets... the list goes on. In the
middle of his dream lies the Emperor himself, next to the woman who inspired
his masterpiece.
» Agra Fort - The 16th century old magnificent
Mughal monument... the Red Fort of Agra is a powerful fortress of red
sandstone encompasses, within its 1.5 mile-long (2.5km) enclosure walls, the
imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairytale palaces such
as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience
halls such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and Sheesh Mahal (The Glass Palace), which,
inlaid with thousands of mirrors was once the harem dressing room. There are
also two beautiful mosques including Shah Jahans Pearl Mosque (sadly
currently out-of-bounds).
The Octagonal Tower is an exquisitely carved tower where Shah Jahan spent
the last seven years of his life. The tower was considered to provide one of
the best views of the Taj but today the pollution has reduced the
visibility. The tower, and much of the Agra Fort, is in bad shape but blank
spaces and the empty inlay works give an idea of how this building must have
looked in its prime.
» Fatehpur Sikri - The deserted city Fatehpur
Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1585. It was
built under the personal supervision of the Emperor Akbar; he was childless
and, having tried all sorts of solutions to his plight, visited a Sufi
saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti, for help. Soon a son was born and, impressed
and overjoyed, he started building on the site where he had met the saint.
However due to a severe shortage of water the city was abandoned after only
fifteen years and the capital was relocated back to Agra. As a result
Fatehpur Sikri stands untouched and perfectly preserved; a complete medieval
fortress of red sandstone, with vast central squares, exquisitely carved
multi-tiered pavilions, cool terraces and formal gardens. Fatehpur Sikri is
a 25 miles (40km) west of Agra, on the way to Jaipur.
» Taj Mahotsav - Held each February in Agra, this
festival is a wonderful cultural mosaic that brings together the cream of
Indian arts, crafts and culture. The mahostav was organized by UP Tourism
and held as an annual event in and around Shilpgram (next door to the Taj
Mahal), this is a fitting tribute to the legendary skills of master
craftsmen and other exponents of art, music and cuisine. It kicks off with a
spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendor - caparisoned elephants,
camels and drum beaters included.
» Shopping - Agra is not only a famous
tourist destination but is a shoppers paradise too. There are plenty of
shopping areas and shopping malls where one can buy the specialties of the
place . Agra is famous for its leather goods indusrty . Handmade leather
from Agra is exported the world over. Particularly the Agra jail inmates are
make these items which are sold to give them a decent earning. The local
artisans are also good at making leather chappals (sandals), purses, bags,
decorative items and many more such leather product which instantaneously
attracts your attention. In the handicraft craft emporiums and shops there
are sandal and rose wood items even though there are no rose or sandal wood
forest nearby. The shops also have brass decorative pieces and stone carved
images. Agra is also famous for the Zari and embroidery work, Stone inlay
work and durries.
The main shopping areas include Taj Mahal complex, Kinari Bazaar, Raja
Mandi, Sadar Bazaar, the Gangotri at Taj Mahal Complex and the Up Handlooms,
UPICA at the Sanjay place are two UP Government emporiums.
Where is Agra?
» By Air - Agra is only 30 minutes from Delhi by
air . 'Kheria' , Agra's airport is 6 km from the city center.
» By Train - Agra has excellent train services from
New Delhi. Shatabdi Express, Taj Express and Inter-city Express from Delhi
take 2-3 hours to reach Agra and are good options.
» By Road - Many National Highways connect Agra to
all major Indian cities and express and air-conditioned bus services are
available to and from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior and Jhansi.
