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 .
There are very few cities in the world that can match the history and
heritage of Agra. 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.
Shopping in Agra
Agra
is not only a famous tourist destination but is a shoppers paradise too.
There are plenty of shopping areas and shopping malls where one can buy the
specialities of the place. Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal made out of
Marble, the markets are bound to have replica of the Taj in marble being
sold as decorative, gift item or as souvenirs. But the all that looks is not
marble. There is one stone called Talk. This stone is cheap and looks like
marble only difference being that marble is opaque and talk is not. So,
while purchasing any marble item make sure that you are buying the original
thing.
Agra is also famous for the leather items. Agra is the hub of hand made
leather items. Particularly the Agra jail inmates are make these items which
are sold to give them a decent earning. The local artisans are also good at
making leather chappals (sandals), purses, bags, decorative items and many
more such leather product which instantaneously attracts your attention. In
the handicraft craft emporiums and shops there are sandal and rose wood
items even though there are no rose or sandal wood forest nearby. The shops
also have brass decorative pieces and stone carved images. Agra is also
famous for the Zari and embroidery work, Stone inlay work and durries.
The main shopping areas in Agra include Taj Mahal complex, Kinari Bazaar,
Raja Mandi, Sadar Bazaar. the Gangotri at Taj Mahal Complex and the Up
Handlooms, UPICA at the Sanjay place are two UP Government emporiums.
