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Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah Agra

About Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah :

The city of Agra is a museum showcasing the architectural legacies of the Mughals. One of such achitectural wonders is the Itimad-ud-Daulah’s tomb- considered by many as the model on which Shahjahan based his Taj Mahal. The tomb is a significant detour from the conventional tombs built by the Mughals.

On its Architecture :

The pure white and elaborately carved tomb is a perfect embodiment of the Islamic style of architecture. Arched entrances, octagonal shaped towers, exquisitely carved floral patterns, intricate marble-screen work and inlay work – all add up to make it an elegant work in its own right. The tomb is marked by the presence of a closed kiosk on top instead of a dome, and the use of small domed canopies, supported by pillars atop the four towers.

Itimad-Ud-Daulah :

The story of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is the saga of a poor merchant from Persia, named Ghiyas-Ud-din or Ghiyas Beg, who later rose to prominence as the Chief Minister of Emperor Jehangir’s court and received the title Itimad-Ud-Daulah. He was the father of Nur Jahan who was married to Emperor Jehangir. When Ghiyas Beg (Itimad-Ud-Daulah) died in 1622, Nur Jahan undertook the project to build his mausoleum. The mortal remains of Itimad-Ud-Daulah was laid to rest in a tomb that had semblance to a large jewel box set in a garden. The first tomb in India built entirely in white marble, is a nonesuch of the glorious pietra dura decoration depicting cypresses, wine glasses, and an amazing variety of geometrical arabesque. Tall minarets rise at the four corners of the small tomb structure.

General Information about Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah :

Location: Agra

State: Uttar Pradesh

Capital: Lucknow

Language: Hindi, English

Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)

Best Season: October to February

Timings : Sunrise- Sunset.

Entry Fee :Foreigners : Rs 110.00 ,Indian Citizens : Rs 10.00

Accommodation :

Staying facilities in Agra are quite comfortable. Apart from hotels, there’s the UPSTDC’s tourist complex, Taj Khema near the Taj Mahal. It offers accommodation in tents and deluxe rooms. There’s a UPSTDC Tourist Bungalow too.

How to Reach Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah :

By Air :

Agra airport is 7 km from the city centre and 3 km from Idgah bus stand and is connected by domestic flights from major Indian cities. There are daily round trip flights from Delhi to Agra, Khajuraho, and Varanasi, with a return to Delhi. It takes only about 40 mins from Delhi to Agra.

By Road:

Agra is about 204 km from Delhi, the capital of India. There is an excellent national highway connecting Delhi and Agra and it is only a 4 hours drive from Delhi. There are many luxury taxis and buses that drive to Agra everyday. Idgah and Agra Fort are the main bus stands of Agra from where anybody can catch buses to and from or Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura and Fatehpur-Sikri.

By Rail :

Agra is well connected by rail to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station There are many trains connecting Delhi and Agra like Shatabdi, Rajdhani, Taj Express and luxury trains like the Palace on Wheels.