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There are very few cities in the world that can match the
history and heritage of Agra - the city of Taj Mahal. 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.
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 .
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