Explore the Taj Mahal and other attractions in Agra. From Delhi the city of Agra is located on the south east on the bank of Yamuna River. The Mausoleum is the attraction of tourists as well as the general people of being a symbol of love. The construction of this Great Marvel of the world took around 22 years. Here one can ask the question that why we are calling it a Marvel of the world.
Well For many it is not a matter to ask a question that a building of white marble is being called a Marvel. It is so much famous and popular in the world that such question is meaningless. It is a great masterpiece of art in the world. And those who know about it, they certainly know the answer. But for others who take the Taj Mahal, only a beautiful Tomb. Let me clear it why it is called an architectural Marvel.
Taj Mahal is a World Heritage Monument in India designated By UNESCO in 1983 for being “the Jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpiece of the world’s heritage”. It is regarded by millions as the best example of Mughal architecture. It is the symbol of rich history of India. Well there are many other world heritage sites in India also but the Taj Mahal is unique in many ways.
How the Taj Mahal became one of the 7 wonders of the world
Taj Mahal has been selected by millions by the way of free web-based voting as the New 7 Wonder of The World. This campaign initiated in 2000 and ended in 2007. It was organised by the New 7 wonders foundation based in Zurich. The result was announced on 7th July 2007 in Lisbon. The result shows Taj Mahal Agra in U.P. India as one among the new 7 wonders of the world. The others are Chichen Itza Mexico, Great wall of China, Christ the redeemer Brazil, Machu picchu in Peru and the Collosseum Italy.
These all monuments of the different countries of the world, have something very special to be chosen as the wonder of the world. Each of the monument has a great historical past. Each of the monument is unique in its architecture, features and style. What is the other thing that make them inspiring and attractive, is the sense of the hard work, effort and sincerity.
The great co-ordination and team work to complete a task seemed impossible in their time. But the zeal to turn the stone in Jewel, to make the impossible a real possible. And to produce a mega, beautiful and attractive piece on earth for all, is the real value and popularity of these monuments of the world.
Taj Mahal and its deep desire
The Taj Mahal is one of such monuments of the world that tie you in its beauty. It gives you a motivation to visit it. The Taj Mahal built on the grave of a beautiful and beloved wife Mumtaj Mahal of Shah Jahan the 5th Mughal Emperor of India. A deprived husband to keep the last words of his wife used his heart, mind, money and his Empire and his people.
These people showed the same respect, affection and love to built this monument. The other kings and kingdoms did supported the Shah Jahan in his extreme desire ” A Tomb of his Wife” who left him so early in the long journey of life.
The kings and their subjects from Rajasthan , worked equally for the construction of Taj mahal. If you look deep into the relations of the Mughals and Rajputs, during the Mughal reign in India. It would become crystal clear that the people under the Mughal Empire, were not seemed to be bound with only the relation of King and their subject, but like a family. The love, respect and dedication of Emperor as well as the people of all types make this Tomb a lovable monument for the millions of the world. There is no such example in the world as the Taj Mahal. Hence it is a symbol of Love in the whole world.
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The construction of Taj Mahal was a great event
Thousands of elephants, Bulls and more than 20000 artisans, architects and engineers worked day and night. Use of precious and semi precious stone. Collected form different parts of India and the world. A two km long slop built to carry the marble stone on Taj Mahal’s top dome construction. Because they did not have crane technique. But their hard work and their love to build this tomb with sincere heart made this tomb a wonder of the world.
Seeing the other Persian and Arabian designs, used in 12th century of Qutub Minar and the mosque in its complex. The 15th century Lodhi style buildings and later Mughal inspired building are all reflecting their floral designs, on panels associated with the Arabic inscriptions, copied from the Islamic Sacred Book Quran. The Panels of Taj Mahal and interior arches filled with such complex, intricate and quality designs and inscriptions carved on White marble slabs, which really took a great time to complete the Taj Mahal in 1653.
The attractive and inspiring Taj Mahal and other attractions in Agra to explore
Taj Mahal is a great attraction in Agra but the other attractions in Agra, also have the magnetism to attract the visitors. let’s explore the Taj Mahal and other attractions in Agra which lies nearby the Taj mahal. The Agra fort, The massive and sturdy built Fort used for the military services of Akbar.
Agra fort however built by Sikander Lodi 1509. During the Early Mughal period it serves as the capital of India under Mughal Emperor Babur. Humayun shifted his capital in Delhi and ruled from here. During the Akbar reign the Agra fort became the capital. He rebuild it in 1565-72 and added many palaces in red sandstone. The artistic designs and beautiful carving on the columns and walls still in its originality.
Shah Jahan rebuild few palaces in the fort with white marble. The Khas Mahal, Moti Mosque and Mussamman Burz are the great attractions in the Fort. The Fort of Agra is a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983. The Red sandstone high rampart wall from the city side explain its powerful face even today.
Itima-ud-daulah tomb is other attraction in Agra
The tomb built on the eastern bank of Yamuna River is a Jewel box in the Mughal architectural treasury. The Itima-ud-dalah tomb built by the prime consort Noor jahan of Mughal Emperor Jehangir for her father Mirza Ghiyas Begh. The tomb has so many designs that it seems impossible to say that this design is best. Built in white marble and engraved and carved designs of the Tomb Take you to another world of artistic imagination.
The Tomb is called as baby Taj which greatly influenced the work of Taj Mahal later. It is called as Baby Taj only because of its size comparing to the Taj Mahal. But it is the predecessor of Taj Mahal like the Humayun Tomb and Lodi Tombs in Delhi.
A little distance from Taj Mahal and other Attractions in Agra city
The Sikandra on the national highway of Agra to Delhi is famous for the Tomb of Akbar the great. The city of Sikandra built by Sikander lodi during his reign as Emperor of India. The treasury of Lodi Empire was here and later captured by Babur. He defeated Ibrahim Lodi in 1526 and took the Throne of Delhi. Akbar the grandson of Babur built a tomb for himself in Sikandra.
The beautiful designs and artistic style of this tomb impress millions of tourists. These were designed and planned by the Emperor Akbar himself. But the tomb was completed by his Son Jehangir after the death of Akbar in 1605. The garden tomb has all the attraction to be a great tomb and reflects the creative thinking of Akbar the Great.
Fatehpur Shikri the citadel of Akbar
The capital of Agra shifted to another location around 38 kms from Agra city by Akbar in 1571. Akbar built this new city with sandstone. This was the first city he establish during his time. The Jama mosque and the tomb sufi saint Salim Chishti is on the five minutes walk on the west of Fort.
The Buland Darwaza a world heritage site and the highest gateway in the world is on the southern side of the Mosque. The mosque built in red sand stone and rise on a high platform. One can approach the Mosque with the flight of steps from south and eastern side.
The fort has many survived palace in its original form. It took probably seven years to complete. The fort which enjoyed to be called as the city of victory in 1573 after the successful campaign of Akbar in Gujarat. It was abandoned in 1585 for a campaign in Punjab and later in 1610 completely abandoned by Emperor Jehangir. However the Fort has great attractions for tourists to explore its history and architecture. The architectural genius of Akbar is displayed in many sections of the Fort of Fatehpur Sikri.
One of the seven wonders, the Great Taj Mahal is just majestic to see. Alluring White marbles of Taj mahal, 4 pillars and amazing view of Yamuna River, Taj Mahal is always mesmerizing visitors. No matter you are visiting first time or second time, each and every time, it has a spellbinding view.