Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh can be said to be the
cradle of Indian civilisation. This is the birth place of Lord
Rama, Krishna and Gautam Buddha. is quite rich in both history
and legend. Hence the maximum number of places of tourist interest
in this province. In terms of population also, this is the biggest
with population is around 15 crores and area around 3 lakh sq.
krns. Monsoon period is between June and September. Its capital
is Lucknow and ideal time to visit this province is between September
and November—the plains, and hilly region, March to October.
UP has the rare credit of giving most of the Prime Ministers to
the country. With 85 MPs representing the state in the Parliament,
politically also UP is very important.
Agra
The royal seat and capital of the province
of yesteryears, Agra, the city of Mughal might and splendor is
about 200 km. away, due south, from Delhi. It is very well connected
with not only Delhi but with Jaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi and many
other important cities of the country by rail, road and air routes.
Believed tohave been in existence ‘rom the sage Angiras
time in the BC ca, its historical reference begins from 1505 AD
when Sikandar Lodhi chose it as his important citadel to curb
the disturbance it the south-western region of his kingdom. Earlier
it had only one fort ‘Badalgarh’ fort. But Agra shot
into real prominence during the Mughal Rule, especially during
Akbar’s reign when the Emperor chose it to be his capital.
Although Shah Jehan’s reign saw Delhi again becoming the
capital city, he left an indelible mark on the history of Agra
by having the marvellous ‘TajMahal’
constructed in his wife’s memory. The following places are
of especial importance for the tourists.
The Fort
The rusty red sandstone fort of Agra was
commenced by Emperor Akbar in 1566 on an older on built by Sher
Shah Suns son Salim Shah. It stands majestically on the banks
of river Yamuna and four successive Mughal Emperors helped in
its construction and beautification. It is open to visitors from
morning to sun set. Its 20 meter high massive walls are of 2.5
km. perimeter and contain elegant Moti Masjid and the palaces.
A 10 meter moat surrounds the Fort. The entrance to the fort is
through Amarsingh Gate. The most remarkable thing about this fort
is that it was transformed from a mere military structure into
a magnificent palace complex within a very short period of time.
The following buildings within the fort are worth visiting.
Moti Masjid
Built by Shah Jehan in 1646-1653 at the cost
of rupees three lakhs, this white and black marbled construction’s
courtyard measures 154 feet by 158 feet. The abstract symphony
of the three domes rising on the seven arches inspires the beholder
with admiration and exaltation. Finely chiselled marble screens
on either side of the mosque conceal the chambers meant for the
use of royal ladies.
Diwan-I-Aam
The Hall of Public Audience, an open pavilion
was commenced by Shah Jehan hut was not completed until the advent
of Aurangzeb. The surrounding arcades are of Akbar’s time.
This colannaded hall 192 feet by 69 feet is of red stone, with
a throne adcove of inlaid marble at the back which is connected
with the royal palaces. Here the emperor sat and listened to public
petitions and met the officials. At the foot of the alcove is
a square marble slab on which stood the ministers to receive orders.
Just in front is Jehangir’s Hauj or cistern built in 1611.
Beside this Hall is Mina Bazar where merchants used to sell silks,
jewellery, brocades and other costly items to the royal ladies.
Diwan-i-Khas
The Hall of Private Audience was built in
1637 by Shah Jehan. It marble pavilions are very attractive in
their inlaid flower work and details. Here the emperor would sit
on his throne and receive important persons and foreign ambassadors.
The famous Peacock throne was kept here on the terrace before
it was taken to Delhi by Aurangzeb.
Musammam Burj
Near Diwan-i-Khas stands the tall octagonal
tower or the Musamman Burj. Perhaps it was built by Jehangir for
his wife Nurjehan and was afterwards used by Mumtaj Mahal, the
lady in whose memory Taj stands. It was here that Shahjehan was
held as captive by Aurangzeb. The captive emperor also died here,
attended only by his faithful daughter Jahanara after seven years
of long imprisonment and was buried in the Taj besides his beloved
wife. Nearby is the white marble Nagina or Gem Mosque, a mosque
built by by Shah Jehan for the use of royal ladies. It has three
beautiful marble domes and a marble courtyard for prayers.
Khas Mahal
This elegant marble structure formed the
private apartments of the emperors. It was built in 1636 by Shah
Jehan. Once its walls are inlaid with flowers depicted by precious
gems hut these were plundered and looted. A staircase to the south
of this palace leads to the underground quarters where the emperor
and the royal ladies retired to escape the stifling summer heat
of Agra.
Shish Mahal
On the north-east of the Khas Mahal stands
the Shish Mahal or the Palace of Mirrors. This zanana (ladies)
bath and the dressing room were built in 1637 and once its walls
and ceilings were inlaid with dazzling small mirrors.
Anguri Bagh
In front of the Khas Mahal, is the Anguri
Bagh surrounded by arcades on the three sides. The Anguri Bagh
or the Grape Garden takes its name after the grape vines which
it once had.
Jehangir‘s Palace
The biggest private residence inside the
fort was built by Akbar for his son Jehangir’s dwelling.
This building is remarkable for it reflects the Fort’s transition
from purely military structure into the elegant and luxurious
edifice. Its courtyards surrounded by pavilions, have attractive
frescoes and gilded decorations though now faded to a great extent.
On one side of this set of palaces is Jodhabai’s apartment.
Jodhabai was Jehangir’s mother and a Hindu lady by birth.
This set of palaces arc believed to he the first set of buildings
with distinct Mughal Epicurean inclination.
Jama Masjid
Opposite the Delhi Gate of the Fort, stands
Jama Masjid built in 1644 by Shah Jehan at a cost of five lakh
rupees (then). An inscription over the main gateway says that
it was built in the name of Jahanara, the eldest daughter of Shah
Jehan. It is in the same style as the Jama Masjid of Delhi hut,
far less impressive in design and execution.
Itinad-ud-Daulah ‘s
Tomb
It was built by NurJehan between 1622 and
1628 in the memory of his father Mirza Ghias-ud-Din Beg. Nurjehan’s
mother is also buried here in the central chamber. This elegant
marble structure was the forerunner of the Taj Mahal. The four
towers at the corners, the familiar Persian motifs of inlaid floral
palterns. etc., clearly foreshadow the famous Taj.
Sikandara (Akbar’s
Mausoleum)
Built by Akbar himself, and completed by
Jahangir in 1613, stands this grand building. It is characterised
by a fusion of Hindu and Muslim art and architecture. The tomb
stands amidst huge gardens, enclosed by four high battlemented
walls. The main entrance. an imposing red stone gateway, has a
Persian inscription which says it was completed by Jehangir in
1613. The three storied minarets at the four corners is an example
of the beginning of inlay work in stone.
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