Thursday, January 22, 2009

Sikandra - Tomb of The Great Mughal Emperor Akbar

Monkey's Playing in Tomb of Akbar




Main Building of Akbar's Tomb with Natural Beauty




Main Entrance of Akbar's Tomb from Inside Showing Minerates from Inner Side are High





Deers enjoying in the gardens of Tomb




Main Entrance of Akbar's Tomb from Outside with Queue of Cars Showing Minerates at Outer Side are High




Entrance to the Akbar's Tomb


Sikandra Building is the mausoleum of Emperor Akbar. Akbar was the greatest Emperor of Mughal Dynasty. It was completed in 1613 A. D. It is one of the well preserved monuments. Akbar started the construction of his mausoleum before his death according to Tartary tradition. Tartary tradition means to construct one’s tomb during his life time. He himself selected the place for tomb and started its construction. He wanted all his family members to be buried at same place in this mausoleum but unfortunately he died before it could get completed. Then, his son Jahangir completed this and he made number of alterations in the mausoleum. The complete building is made up of deep red sandstone as well as marble. A false tomb is made above original tomb so that if somebody goes up then he or she cannot disrespect the grave of The Great Mughal Emperor Akbar by putting his or her feet above the grave.

Akbar’s dream for his family to be buried at same place could not be completed. Only two daughters of Akbar named Shakrul Nisha Begum and Aram Bano could be buried their. Later, people from his family were buried where they died. He made different rooms according to the number of his family members. A very small entrance is made right in front of the Akbar’s grave outside main building so that everybody has to bow his head before Akbar’s grave to show respect to the emperor. Akbar’s Tomb represents his philosophy and secular outlook, combining the best of Hindu and Muslim Architectures in a superlative fusion. Akbar had three wives from three different religions i.e. Hindu, Muslim and Christian. Signs of all three religions can be seen in this building. After understanding that all the religions comprise same teachings, Akbar started a new religion named Din-e-Ilahi. This religion had the essence of all three religions.

The main building is surrounded by peaceful, green gardens. “Langurs” (black faced monkeys) and deers add to the beauty of the gardens. Visitors often enjoy with them by offering them parched grams, bananas etc. Langurs hold hand then have grams one by one which is different fun. An elaborately decorated entrance occupies the centre of the southern side, highlighted by exquisite carvings, artistic paintings and inlay work in geometric and floral designs enshrining the tombstone of Akbar. Three storied four minarets of equal size look big and small from both sides. The complete peaceful environment of The Tomb of Akbar gets peace of mind to the visitors.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Fatehpur Sikri

Dargah of Muslim Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti


Raja Birbal's Palace


Jodhabai's Palace


Diwan-e-Khas



A Beautiful Pillar Inside Diwan-e-Khas



Diwan-e-Aam



The Greatest Buland Darwaaza



Panch Mahal in Fatehpur Sikri

Place Where Akbar Used to Meet With His Nine Gems
Fatehpur Sikri is 39 km. far from Agra Cantt Railway Station. It is one of the most important historical monuments of Mughal Dynasty made by Mughal Emperor Akbar. This world heritage was built during 1564 AD. Akbar built this as gratitude towards Muslim Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti.

Sonless Akbar went Sikri for blessings of Muslim Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti and then Akbar got a son. On the name if the saint he named his Salim. He as gratitude built this monument and also made it his capital. He named it Fatehpur Sikri.

Akbar built a beautiful marble tomb of saint and thousands of people come to seek blessings of the revered saint. People tie threads there to get their wish fulfilled. Akbar also built palaces for saint’s complete family. Since Akbar made Fatehpur Sikri his capital therefore, there are some other renowned places in his palace including Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-Aam, Bulad Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Jodhabai’s Palace and Birbal’s House.

The most important characteristic of Fatehpur Sikri is Buland Darwaza. The gateway is approached by 42 steps. The Buland Darwaza is 53.63m high and 35 meters wide. Buland Darwaza is the highest gateway in the world and an astounding example of the Mughal architecture. It is built of red sandstone and inlaying of white marble.

Tour Operators and Travel Agents in Agra

Elephants at Agra Fort


A Tour Operator

Sikandra
Agra Fort
Taj MahalMany travel agents are present in Agra to operate Tours for Agra and the places surrounding Agra. Below is the list of some Tour Operators and Travel Agents –
  • Ashok Travels and Tours, Hotel Agra Ashok, The Mall, Tel.: 0562 - 361223-31

  • Rainbow Travels, Hotel Mansingh Palace, Fatehabad Road, Tel.: 0562 - 360605.

  • Mercury Travels, Hotel Clarks Shiraj, 54 Taj Road, Tel.: 0562 – 360282

  • Royal Holidays Inc., Sanjay Place, Tel.: 0562 – 352367, 350537.

  • Sita World Travels, Sadar Bazar, Tel.: 0562 – 363922, 363181.

  • Travel Corporation (India), Hotel Clarks Shiraj, Tel.: 0562 – 361121, 361122, 361123.

  • Travel House, Welcomgroup Mughal Sheraton, Tel.: 0562 – 361701-62