The City of The Taj:
Agra - The city known for the famous monument of love
- the Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal was constructed by the Mughal
Emperor, Shah Jehan. It is said he built this monument
in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal. The Taj
Mahal is ethereal at any part of the day - blushing in
the rosy glow of dawn or sunset , appearing like a pearly
mirage in the moonlight or reflected in the pools of the
garden . Perhaps the most moving view of the Taj is from
an octagonal tower in the Agra Fort further along the
river Yamuna .
There are very few cities in the world that can match
the history and heritage of Agra. Located at a distance
of 204 km south of Delhi, Agra is the single most famous
tourist destination of India. Situated on the west bank
of River Yamuna, Agra is a part of the great Norther Indian
plains. The architectural splendor of the city is reflected
in the glorious monuments of medieval India built by great
Mughals who ruled India for more than 300 years.
In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra
witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during
this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built.
The buildings made during this era were purely in the
contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which
is still reflected in what ever monuments remain in Agra.
History of Agra
Agra, the city of Taj was established in 1475 by Badal
Singh. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharata as Agraban.
Agra city in those days was considered to be the sister
city of Mathura which was more prominent than Agraban.
Agra came into its own when the Lodhi Kings chose this
place beside the Yamuna to be their capital city. Sikander
Lodhi made Agra his capital but Babar defeated the Lodhis
to capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation
of the Mughal empire.
The coming of Babar heralded a new era which was to see
Agra at its zenith during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir
and Shah Jahan. It was during Akbar's period that Agra
became the center of art, culture and commerce and learning.
This trend reached its height when Shah Jahan became the
ruler.
In the mid 16th century and earlier 17th century Agra
witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during
this time when the symbol of love Taj Mahal was built.
The buildings made during this era were purely in the
contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which
is still reflected in what ever monuments remain in Agra.The
narrow lanes of Agra filled with aroma of Mughlai cuisine,
the craftsman who are busy in crating master pieces with
their skill all remind of the Mughal royalty which this
city had once experienced. Today whatever remains, has
become a major tourist attraction which has taken Agra
again to the heights of glory but this time as a major
tourist destination of India. For more details, please
contact Countrywide Holidays Pvt. Ltd.
