Jama Masjid Agra

Beautiful view of Jama Masjid in Agra

Corridor in Jama Masjid Agra

Biggest Mosque of Agra

History of Jama Masjid, Agra

Jama Masjid in Agra is also known as Jami Masjid. It was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and he dedicated it to his favorite daughter Jahanara Begum. There used to be spacious, octagonal Tripolia Chowk between Jama Masjid and the Delhi gate of the Agra Fort which was destroyed later to build Agra Fort Railway Station.

Structure of Jama Masjid, Agra

Jama Masjid is a huge mosque located in the center of Agra and surrounded by a great market. Jama Masjid is not adorned with semi-precious stones unlike other big historical monuments rather it can be said that it is not considered as historical monument because it is still used by the local people to offer prayer. It is a very simple mosque made up of red sandstone. A little amount of white marble has been used for decoration purpose, walls and ceilings have been painted blue. Jami Masjid is beautifully decorated with paintings, inlaid stones, carvings and glazed tiles. There are stairs to approach the mosque and five arched entrances to the courtyard. Jama Masjid has three large sandstone domes which can be distinguished by the zigzag bands of marble. There is a prayer chamber on its western side. There is a prayer chamber on its western side and a courtyard surrounded by cloisters on three of its sides. The bulbous domes are adorned in finials of lotus and kalash on the top and alternate bands of white marble and red sandstone make them appealing. A fountain makes it royal, existing in the center of the courtyard. This fountain looks very beautiful with four kiosks in its corners. The mosque is still being used by the people to offer prayer and that’s why it is one of the city's main landmarks. Jama Masjid in Agra comprises of pillared Dalan, the 'Chhatri' on the roof and a beautiful 'Chhajja'. The main attraction of the building is its geometrical designs and its simplicity.

Entry Fee

Entry to Jama Masjid is absolutely free.

Mariam’s Tomb

Mariam’s Tomb was built for the wife of great Mughal Emperor Akbar and the mother of his eldest son Salim, later was known as Jahangir. She was the daughter of Raja Bharmal Kachhwaha of Ambar or Amer. This Rajput queen was known in Mughal History as 'Mariam Zamani' meaning 'Compassionate to the World'. She was so named by Akbar on the eve of the birth of his son in 1569 at Fatehpur Sikri. Mariam’s Tomb was built after her death in 1623 at Agra by Jehangir. He built a stylish tomb for his mother close to the tomb of Akbar within the compound of Christian Missionary Society.

Originally, this structure was a barahdari when The Mughal Queen Mariam Zamani was interred into the tomb later, stylized into the tomb by Mughals by reconstructing the four facades of buildings in the Mughal architectural style of that time. Mariam’s Tomb was constructed in such a way that sun rays directly reach the tomb. In the central chamber, a cenotaph was placed in just above the real tomb that was protected by red stone 'jalied' balustrade on all sides.

Chini Ka Rauza

Chini ka Rauza, the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah of Shiraz as well as the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan

Chini Ka Rauza is situated on the eastern bank of river Yamuna in Agra. It is 1 kilometer north of Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb. Chini ka Rauza is the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah of Shiraz. He was the renowned scholar and poet as well as the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

Chini Ka Rauza is the first building in Agra, which has been exclusively adorned by glazed tile works and therefore, is considered a milestone in Indo-Persian architecture. The tomb was named Chini Ka Rauza because of the colorful tiles also known as chini. The tomb was constructed mainly of brown stone. Chini Ka Rauza is rectangular in shape. Central chamber of Chini Ka Rauza has octagonal shape and 8 curved recesses. There are 4 square chambers that are linked with the halls in the corner and outside porches.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah

An Outclass example of Art in Mughal Period

Front View of Itmad-Ud-Daulah

Beautiful Cupola on Minerates of Itmad-Ud-Daulah

Inlay Depicting Cypress Trees, Wine Bottles, Cut Fruit or Vases Containing Bouquets

Marvellous Design and Architecture of Minerates

Oblique View Showing beautiful Carving on Walls

Itmad-Ud-Daulah, often described as ‘Jewel Box’ was built by Jhahangir’s wife Noor Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who had been given the title of Itimâd-ud-Daulâh (pillar of the state) between 1622 and 1628. Itmad-Ud-Daulah is also known as ‘Baby Taj’ because of representing the transition between the first and second phase of monumental Mughal architecture. First phase consists of buildings primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations, which can be seen in Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra in Agra. Its second phase is based on white marble and pietra dura inlay as in Taj Mahal.

Itmad-Ud-Daulah is situated on the left bank of river Yamuna. Mausoleum is set on a base about 1 meter high and 50 meters in area surrounded by large cruciform garden criss-crossed by water courses and walkways. The walls are made up of white marble brought from Rajasthan adorned with semi-precious stones like cornelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx, and topaz. Beautiful images are made with these stones on walls like Cypress trees, wine bottles, cut fruit or vases containing bouquets. Light enters through delicate jail into the interior of the Itmad-Ud-Daulah mausoleum. Not only Noor Jahan’s father, many of her relatives are interred in the Itmad-Ud-Daulah mausoleum.

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.

Agra Fort

Agra Fort from Outside

Courtyard in Agra Fort

Jahangiri Palace Built by Akbar For His Son Jahangir

Wonderful Moti Mahal entirely Made Up Marble

Beautiful Columns Featuring Birds in Agra Fort

Khas Mahal - A Special Palace Built By Shah Jahan

Beautiful View of Agra Fort from Yamuna River

Beautiful Carving inside Musamman Burj Where Shah Jahan was Held Captive

Beautiful Design Made Up on Stone

Balcony of Agra Fort - A Royal Palace

Octagonal Tower in Musamman Burj from Where Shah Jahan used to See Taj Mahal

Diwan-e-Aam - A Hall for Public Audience

Lahore Gate Also Known As Amar Singh Gate

Agra Fort has now been declared as world Heritage site by UNESCO. Agra Fort has been the witness of Indian History. Its presence proves the grand status of Agra in the history of India. It is about 2.5 km northwest of the most famous building, the Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort was provided with four gates. One of them is Khizri gate which opens on to the river. Two others are Delhi Gate and Lahore Gate. Delhi Gate was the formal gate for king but now northern portion of Agra Fort is being used by Indian Military that’s why this gate cannot be used by Public. Tourists can enter via the Lahore Gate; this gate is named so because it faces Lahore which is now in Pakistan, it is also known as Amar Singh Gate in the name of Amar Singh Rathore. Delhi Gate is considered as the grandest gate of all. It is followed by an inner gate named Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) because two life sized stone elephants are standing with their riders.

Important Structures in Agra Fort

Anguri Bagh – these are 85 square geometrically arranged gardens.
Diwan-e-Aam – this is a hall of public audience where ruler used to address the mass sitting on the Peacock Throne as well as justice used to be done.
Diwan-e-Khas – this is a hall of private audience where king used to greet some dignitary or honorable guests.
Golden Pavilions – these are beautiful pavilions with the roofs shaped like roofs of Bengali huts.
Jahangiri Mahal – this was built by Akbar for his son Jahangir
Khas Mahal – this is one of the best examples of painting on white marble.
Macchi Bhawan – this used to be the grand enclosure of harem functions has design of fish, had pools and fountains.
Musamman Burj – this is a large octagonal tower. A clear view of Taj Mahal can be had from here. It is said that Shah Jahan used to see Taj Mahal from here and here only he breathed last.
Mina Masjid – this is a heavenly mosque which was entirely built by white marble by Shah Jahan for his personal use.
Pearl Mosque – also known as Moti Masjid was built by Shah Jahan.
Nagina Masjid – it is also known as the Gem Mosque or the Jewel Mosque. It was built by Shah Jahan for the ladies of royal family.
Zenana Mina Bazar – this is right next to the balcony of Nagina Masjid A luxurious bazaar, known as Mina Bazar, used to be functioning down the road from where royal ladies could purchase items standing in the balcony of Nagina Masjid and only female merchants used to sold wares.
Naubat Khana (Drum House) – this is the place where king's musicians used to play music.
Rang Mahal – this is place where king’s wives and mistresses lived
Shah Jahani Mahal – this is the place where Shah Jahan’s first attempt for modification of red sandstone palace took place.
Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) – this used to be the royal dressing room featuring tiny mirror-like glass-mosaic decorations on the walls.

History

Its foundation was laid by Chauhan Rajputs in the name of ‘Badalgarh’ in Agra, which is now known as Agra Fort as well as Lal Quila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. Sikandar Lodi was the first Sultan who shifted its capital from Delhi to Agra in 1501. He ruled over the country from Agra and after his death in 1517, his son Ibrahim Lodi ruled for 9 years. He was defeated and killed at Panipat in 1526 and then Agra Fort was introduced with Mughals.

Mughals captured all the treasure including a valuable diamond which was later named Koh-i-Noor diamond. Babur Stayed in the fort in the palace of Ibrahim Lodi. His son Humayun was crowned here in 1530. Sher Shah held it for 5 years after defeating Humayun in Bilgram in 1530. Eventually, Mughals got it again by defeating Afghans at Panipat in 1556. This brick fort named ‘Badalgarh’ was in ruined condition when Akbar decided to shift his Capital from Delhi to Agra. He rebuilt it with red sandstone. Almost 1,444,000 builders worked on it for eight years and it was completed in 1573. Akbar built a palace in it for his son Jahangir.

Agra Fort has seen many changes during its life span and it took its current shape in the time of Jahangir’s son Shah Jahan, who was the most favorite of Akbar’s grandsons. Shah Jahan used white marble in spite of red sand stone first time in Mughal history. He also demolished some of the buildings in fort. It is said that earlier it had 500 different buildings out of which two dozen are left. Some were destroyed by Shah Jahan to construct new one and some were destroyed during British rule to raise barracks.

Timings - Open from Dawn to Dusk

Entrance Fee

For Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) it is Rs.10/- per head.

For Others: It is US $ 5 or Indian Rs. 250/- per head (ASI)

Note - It is free for Children up to 15 years.

Fabulous View of the Taj Mahal in Full Moon Light

Full View of Taj Mahal in Moonlit Light

Taj Glowing in Moonlit Night

Mumtaj Mahal

Taj Mahal in Full Moon Night

DATES OF FULL MOON NIGHTS
2009
January 11
February 09
March 11
April 12
May 09
June 07
July 07
August 06
September 04
October 04
November 02
December 02, 31
Note- Night viewing of the Taj Mahal is closed in the month of Ramzan and on every Friday.
Tickets are available 24 hours (1 day) before Night Viewing of the Taj between 10 AM to 6 PM at Archaeological Survey of India (A. S. I.), 22 Mall Road, Agra.
Ph: 2227261
2227263
Fax: 0562-2227262


Entry Ticket:
Indian Adult- 510/-
Indian Child- 500/-
Foreigner- 750/-
Foreigner- 500/-

Night view of Taj is also available 2 days before and 2 days after full moon night.

Taj Mahal – Symbol of Love on Earth

A View of Taj From Another Angle

Taj Mahal at the Time of Sun Set

Beauty of Taj

Inlay Work done with Precious Stone

Beautiful Inlay Work on the Walls of Taj

The Quranic Inscription

Inlay work in the interior of Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal with Natural Beauty Taj Mahal is glorified by the whole world who accepted Taj Mahal as the first wonder of World. It occupied space in ebody’s heart because of being symbol of love. Taj Mahal was built by the grief stricken Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal.

This world renowned wonder, Taj Mahal sits pretty on the northern side of this green paradise. It looks same from all four sides. The Quranic inscriptions on its four entrances are carved in such subtle increase in size that words may appear to be of the same size from top to bottom. Shahjahan invited master craftsmen from places like Italy and Persia to help design his ambitious tribute to love.

The Taj Mahal is phenomenal not in the beauty alone that shines forth, but in the deep planning and design that went into its making, and the ethereal idea of immortalizing love. Delicate carvings in marble vie with gorgeous pietra dura for attention. Lapislazuli, Cornelian, Jasper, Malachite, Corel, Mother of pearl, Agate and Emerald etc. are inlayed in floral and geometrical patterns in the marble itself. This enchanting mausoleum, on the bank of river Yamuna started in 1631 and it took 22 years to complete it with the help of an estimated 20000 workers.

Heritage of Agra

Taj Nature Walk is a beautiful natural forest cover spread over 70 hectares of area just 500 m. away from the Eastern Gate of Taj Mahal. The beauty of this park fills the hearts of visitors with joy and happiness. Greenery of this park provides pleasures to the eyes and flowers of different colors just mesmerize the visitors. An excellent view of Taj can be found from the different mounds of the park. Visitors once coming to Taj Nature Walk do not feel like going back from there. Flora and Fauna of different species are also seen here. Children can spend a great time here and nature loving people find this park, one of the best places they have ever gone.