Thursday, 21 August 2014

Uttar Pradesh-Agra

Taj Mahal

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About

The Taj Mahal is an integrated complex of structures that include a white marble mausoleum containing the tombs of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1592 - 1666) and his third wife Mumtaz Mahal (1593-1631). The Mughal dynasty built many mausoleums in the Indian subcontinent but the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the finest. The mausoleum is built entirely of white marble, set on a high base or plinth which includes four tall minarets, one on each corner. On either side of the tomb are a mosque and a guest house, while the tomb faces a garden laid out in the "charbagh" style, with a central walkway with fountains and viewing platforms with green spaces and trees on either side. The entrance to the complex is through a grand ornamental gateway, inscribed with Quranic inscriptions and the calligraphed line"O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you."
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Taj Mahal Timings



The Taj Mahal complex is open for visitors from sunrise to sunset (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.) on all weekdays, with the exception of Friday. On Fridays the mosque in the Taj Mahal complex is open for prayers from 12 noon to 2 p.m. At this time tourists are not permitted to enter the complex. 
On full-moon nights, and one night before and after a full-moon, the Taj Mahal complex is open for visitors who wish to view the Taj by moonlight - a truly spectacular sight. The moonlight viewing sessions are not permitted during the month of Ramadan and on Fridays. 
While travelling to the Taj Mahal complex, do note that security restrions apply at the complex and the only items a tourist may carry into the grounds are the following: mobile phones, still cameras, small video cameras, small purses carried by ladies, and water in transparent bottles. 





Agra Fort

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About

Agra Red Fort was designed and built by the great Mughal ruler, Akbar, in about 1565 A.D. It was initially built as a military establishment but later on his successors made many additions to the main structure. Several Mahals , which were built afterwards, converted half of the structure into a magnificent palace. 
The Red Fort is situated in Agra, Uttar pradesh on the banks of Yamuna River. It is known as Red Fort because it is built of a kind of red sandstone. Within this Fort there lies some of the most exquisite architecture of the Mughal Period; like the Pearl Mosque, Moti Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am and Jahangiri Mahal. 
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  • Fatehpur Sikri

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     Fatehpur Sikri or 'the City of Victory' is a fortified city in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It was founded in 1569 by the Great Emperor of the Mughal dynasty Akbar. The palace city atop a rocky ridge, confined within walls on its three sides and a lake in the foreground, was designed by Tuhir Das using Indian principles of art.
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  • Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah

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    About


    The Tomb of Itmad ud Daulah is the monument is a highly ornate edifice. This mausoleum is considered to be an imminent precursor of the Taj Mahal as far as the carvings and the inlay work are concerned. 
    This tomb, built in the famed Char Bagh style is not a very large structure. The main chamber of Itmad ud Daulah is richly decorated with mosaics and semi precious stones inlaid in the white marble. The theme of wine flask with snakes as handles is a recurring one on the engraved walls of this chamber. The marble screens of geometric lattice work allows some gentle lighting. 
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  • Guru Ka Taal

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     A holy place of worship of the Sikh's, this Gurudwara was visited by one of the ten revered Gurus of Sikhism. The Gurudwara is of great historical importance to the Sikhs. It was built over the place where the Guru Tegh Bahadur laid down his arms to offer arrest to Aurangazeb, the Mughal King. Several devotees gather every year to pay homage to the great Sikh guru in this Gurudwara. 
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  • Chini Ka Rauza

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    About


    Chini Ka Rauza is an important monument in Agra. The name has been acquired because of the glazed-tile ornamentation that is believed to have been brought all the way from China. What makes the monument significant is the artwork and colour embellishments on it. It is the tomb that is dedicated to Allama Afzal Khan, who was the Prime Minister and poet during the times of Shah Jahan.
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 Architecture
As the name suggests, the monument is made with tiles of fine china and mud. The tomb itself is built in Afghan style and is the only monument in India with Persian architecture. The whole building was built with colorful tiles and brown stones in rectangular shape. The tomb was splendid and the walls have various Islamic inscriptions written on them.
Originally the tomb had two main gates, one in the north and the other in the south. It was a three-storied tower in octagonal shape near the ghat. But most of it is now in the ruins and only the main tomb survives. The unique architecture of the tomb is evident in the interior and the exterior. Colourful embellishments are found in the brackets, chajja and balconies. The arches are decorated with intricate designs and have orange and blue tiles. The whole tomb was decorated with colourful tiles and was a masterpiece in itself.




Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani

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About

 The tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani is the resting place of Jodha Bai, the favorite wife of Mughal Emperor Akbar. She gave birth to Jahangir, the next Mughal Emperor, which is why she was given the title of Mariam-uz-Zamani (Mary of the Age). The tomb is significant as it is quite magnificent in its own way. It is in the town of Sikandra that was built by Sikandar Lodi.
 

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History
Mariam-uz-Zamani was the title conferred on Heer Kuwari, who gave birth to the first heir to the Mughal throne. The tomb was built by her son Jahangir in AD 1623 as per her wishes to have it close to her husband, Emperor Akbar. She was a Hindu princess who was married to a Mughal king. It is said that her son also built a 'vav' or step well that was also the wish of his mother. She was buried according to the Islamic custom as well as cremated according to Hindu faith.





Keetham Lake

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About

 This lake is good for those who love bird watching, there are nesting places of various species of birds. It is only 20 kilemeters west of Agra.
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