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| An Insight : |
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Agra has become popular worldwide as it nestles the monument of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal. Agra is one of the most important historical and ancient cities of India. A small city of Uttar Pradesh, Agra was built on the West Bank of the River Yamuna. The city was established in the year 1475 by Raja Badal Singh. Agra became an important city only after the Lodhi king Sikander Lodhi set up his capital in this ancient city. Later the Mughal ruler Babar took over the Agra city and set base for the establishment of the Mughal rule. It was during the Mughal rule, especially under Babar, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan that Agra, in North India, located on the West Bank of Yamuna, developed as a great center of architecture, art and Mughal culture. A number of forts, buildings and tombs were constructed during the 16th century, which was the peak period of Mughal glory in Agra, India. |
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| Lets Explore the City of Agra : |
| Taj Mahal - Reflecting the passions of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal in Agra was built in the mid-1600s as a tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Later he was buried beside her. The beauty, balance and peace of this symmetrical, marble masterpiece, from the detail of colored stone inlay arranged into intricate patterns of flowers and Arabic prayer to the perfect symmetry on every tower, make it a stunning and unforgettable monument. |
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Taj Mahal (Agra) |
Agra Fort |
Buland Darwaza |
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| Agra Fort - The 16th century old magnificent Mughal monument... the Red Fort of Agra is a powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 1.5 mile-long (2.5km) enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairytale palaces such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and Sheesh Mahal (The Glass Palace), which, inlaid with thousands of mirrors was once the harem dressing room. There are also two beautiful mosques including Shah Jahans Pearl Mosque (sadly currently out-of-bounds). |
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| Fatehpur Sikri - The deserted city Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire between 1570 and 1585. It was built under the personal supervision of the Emperor Akbar; he was childless and, having tried all sorts of solutions to his plight, visited a Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti, for help. Soon a son was born and, impressed and overjoyed, he started building on the site where he had met the saint. However due to a severe shortage of water the city was abandoned after only fifteen years and the capital was relocated back to Agra |
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| Taj Mahotsav - Held each February in Agra, this festival is a wonderful cultural mosaic that brings together the cream of Indian arts, crafts and culture. The mahostav was organized by UP Tourism and held as an annual event in and around Shilpgram (next door to the Taj Mahal), this is a fitting tribute to the legendary skills of master craftsmen and other exponents of art, music and cuisine. It kicks off with a spectacular procession inspired by Mughal splendor - caparisoned elephants, camels and drum beaters included. |
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Shopping - 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 specialties of the place . Agra is famous for its leather goods indusrty . Handmade leather from Agra is exported the world over. 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.
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