A snake charmer in the streets of Agra
A group photo at the world famous Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal in the background
At the Agra Fort
We recently visited the Agra substation in Agra city, The Taj Mahal, The Agra Fort and the King Akbar's Tomb and his palace.
The city of Agra in India is famous for Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and we are glad that we got a chance to vist these historical and rare places after our official vist to Agra Sub-station.
About Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is a mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage.
Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements from Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles.
In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen.The construction of the Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial supervision, including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Lahauri is generally considered to be the principal designer.
About Agra Fort
Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.
About the Tomb of Mogul King Akbar
This tomb is made up of red stones and is made in four sections. It has four floors in all and the actual grave of the Mogul king Akbar is situated some 50 feet below the ground level. There are stoned steps provided up to the tomb. The entry gate to this great historical monument is through the white marble gate, which is around 150 feet high. There is a beautiful lush green garden all around it, having the various types of water fountains. The token entry fee of Rs.5 (12 cents) is charged from each tourist and is spent towards the maintenance of this monument. This tomb of King Akbar is commonly known as Sikandra in Agra as a memory of great King Sikandar Lodhy of Afghanistan. Mogul King Akbar started to build this structure during his life time in the early sixteenth century. Though, it was completed by his son Jahangir later on. The body of King Akbar was cremated here thereafter.
Courtesy of Wanyande Salim
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