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Taj Mahal:
It is a monumental ode to love in marble. The Taj was built in memory of Begum Mumtaz Mahal by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who wanted to immortalize the exalted emotions he felt towards his beloved wife. This ethereal monument is a perfectly symmetrical edifice set in the middle of landscaped gardens on the banks of the Yamuna. It has a central domed structure flanked by seemingly diaphanous marble pillars , topped by bulbous domes. The central dome of the monument has a diameter of 60 feet that rises 80 feet over the building. The entire structure of the Taj has been constructed on a 313 square feet marble platform that stands above a sandstone one. As you go inside, fascinating calligraphies based on the holy Quran's verses greet you from the walls. The floors and walls are adorned with semi-precious stones inlaid into the marble in beautiful patterns called pietra dura.
Beside the majestic Taj Mahal, the city of Agra and its neighbouring areas are bejeweled with many-a-marvel of architectural brilliance. Moreover, Agra for most of the time in its medieval history alternated with Delhi as the capital of the mighty Mughal Empire. As Agra remained for long the capital of Mughal Empire, one can discover marvels of this great empire strewn all around the city, during travel in Agra. The Mughals built some of the most enduring and grandest monuments in the world and many of these monuments found their place in Agra. The neighbouring areas near Agra also are peppered with historical sites and monuments.
Agra Fort:
Beside being the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra is also famous for the Agra Fort, which is a veritable treasure trove of the Mughal architectural tradition. The various buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent the assimilation of different cultures, which was the mark of the Mughal period.
Akbar's Tomb:
Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra is an excellent example of assimilation of different styles of architecture and it represents a significant departure from the earlier Mughal buildings. The tomb carries the characteristic flavor of the airy tiered pavilions of the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Itmud-Ud-Daulah Tomb: Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb in Agra 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.
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