The city of Agra is full of architectural wonders. On one
hand, it has the famous Taj Mahal, and on the other hand, it has the
Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah's mausoleum. Itmad-ud-Daulah's tomb is
a highly ornate edifice, which is looked upon as an imminent
precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as elaborate carvings and inlay
work are concerned. The tomb marks a significant departure from the
tombs of the Mughal dynasty built before its construction. Belonging
to the age of Jahangir, it contains cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas and
Asmat Begum, parents of the powerful Mughal Empress Nurjahan queen
of Jahangir, an exceptional beauty and an astute administrator.
Mirza Ghiyas had left Persian in sheer penury in search of better
prospects at the Mughal court. He benefited much from the influence
of his daughter who he had once abandoned in the desert. Akbar
offered him a good rank and privileges. Jahangir made him his prime
minister with the title Itmad-ud-daulah (Pillar of the State).
Nurjahan's brother Asaf Khan later became prime minister of
Shahjahan. This Persian family formed at the Mughal court giving the
grand Mughals two most celebrated queens-Nurjahan and Mumtaz Mahal
(Lady of the Taj), daughter of Asaf Khan.
Islamic style of architecture
The pure white and elaborately carved tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah
conforms to the Islamic style of architecture. The use of arched
entrances, octagonal shaped towers or minarets, use of exquisitely
carved floral patterns, intricate marble-screen work and inlay work
are all representative of the Islamic style. The absence of a dome
and the presence of a closed kiosk on top of this building and the
use of chhatris (small domed canopies, supported by pillars) atop
the four towers (minarets) instead of proper domes are reflective of
local influence.
A Jewel box
Itmad-ud-Daulah was buried in a tomb that resembles a jewel box and
set in a garden. This tranquil, small, garden located on the banks
of the Yamuna River was to inspire the construction of the Taj Mahal
in the later years. The Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb is the first tomb in
India built entirely in white marble. The tomb is also justly famous
for the glorious pietra dura (stone inlay) decoration depicting
cypresses, wine glasses, and an amazing variety of geometrical
arabesque. The jali (net) screens set in arched recesses are
splendid. Four small minarets rise at the four corners of the small
tomb structure. The whole structure gives the impression of an
enlarged precious object. Due to the profusion of intricate work
done on marble and the beautiful marble screen-work, the tomb easily
qualifies as a veritable forerunner of the famous Taj Mahal. The
Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah in Agra is a must-visit for tourists during
their Taj Mahal tour of Agra.
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