Agra, Uttar Pradesh – Facts And History

Agra’s history dates back to the 5th century and is associated with the Rajput accounts of the city’s establishment. Akbar placed Agra on the political map by choosing it as his capital. It remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under the Emperors Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb. Agra declined after 1707 when the Mughal court moved to Delhi but began to revive in the 19th century when the British Raj made Agra the center of their Indian empire.

Mughal artisans built monumental tombs, mosques, mausoleums, gardens, and forts in Agra during the Mughal period. The Rajput rulers contributed to the city’s importance during the Mughal period. Other rulers of Agra included Ibrahim Lodhi, the Afghan king Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan king; the Mughals transferred the capital from Agra to Lahore in 1585 and after the Second battle of Panipat in 1556 AD.

Agra holds a grand historical heritage and is known for its rich cultural and historical background. It is one of the most visited destinations by tourists. The city is known for its great architecture and Mughal monuments. Agra is considered the city of the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Agra is one of the most prominent tourist spots in India. The city has been home to different rulers over the centuries and has been known by different names. The city became prominent during the sovereignty of Sikandar Lodi, the Afghan ruler of North India. He built the Agra Fort, and his son Ibrahim Lodi is responsible for making Agra a cultural capital. The city’s golden age began with the Mughals, and Agra became the foremost city of the Indian subcontinent. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire during its reign of Mughal.

How To Reach Agra:

Agra, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from around the world. Here are the different ways to reach Agra:

• By Air: The nearest airport to Agra is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is located about 220 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Agra.
• By Train: Agra is well-connected to major cities in India by rail. There are several trains that operate between Agra and cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Agra has several railway stations, with Agra Cantt Railway Station being the most popular one.
• By Bus: Agra is connected to major cities in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states by bus. There are several public and private bus operators that run buses between Agra and cities like New Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow.
• By Car: Agra is well-connected to major cities in North India by road. You can hire a taxi or a self-drive car to reach Agra. The journey from New Delhi to Agra takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
• By Tourist Bus: Many tour operators offer tourist bus services between Agra and nearby cities like New Delhi, Jaipur, and Gwalior. These buses are comfortable and offer a convenient way to travel to Agra.

Overall, there are several convenient ways to reach Agra, making it an accessible destination for tourists and travelers.

Agra In Pre-Mughal Era:

Agra, a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The city was founded in the 11th century by the Rajput king Raja Badal Singh, who built a fort on the banks of the Yamuna River. Agra was ruled by various Rajput dynasties until the 16th century.

During the 16th century, Agra became an important center of power under the Mughal Empire. However, before the Mughals, Agra was also an important city during the pre-Mughal era. The city was ruled by various dynasties such as the Delhi Sultanate and the Lodi dynasty.

In 1504, Sikander Lodi, the ruler of the Lodi dynasty, shifted his capital from Delhi to Agra, and the city became an important political and cultural center. Under the Lodis, Agra flourished as a city of art, literature, and architecture. Sikander Lodi built several monuments in Agra, including a fort and a palace. He also built a garden called Lodi Garden, which is still a popular tourist attraction.

After the Lodis, Agra came under the rule of the Mughals, who made the city their capital in the 16th century. The Mughal emperors, including Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, built several monuments in Agra, including the iconic Taj Mahal, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

In summary, Agra has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, and the city was an important political and cultural center even before the Mughal era. The pre-Mughal era saw the rise of Agra as a city of art, literature, and architecture under the Lodi dynasty, and the city’s cultural legacy continued to flourish under the Mughals.

Agra In Mughal Era:

Agra, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, was the capital of the Mughal Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Mughals were one of the most powerful and influential dynasties in Indian history, and their legacy can still be seen in Agra today.

The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur, a descendant of Genghis Khan and Timur, who conquered India in the 16th century. Agra became the capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Babur’s grandson, Akbar, who ruled from 1556 to 1605.

During the Mughal era, Agra was a center of art, architecture, and culture. The Mughal emperors, including Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, built several magnificent monuments in Agra, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.

The Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is one of the most famous and iconic buildings in the world. It is a white marble mausoleum that took over 20 years to build, and is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

Agra Fort, another iconic Mughal monument, was built by Akbar in the 16th century. It is a massive red sandstone fort that served as the residence of the Mughal emperors for several generations. The fort contains several palaces, including the Jahangir Mahal and the Khas Mahal, as well as several mosques and gardens.

Fatehpur Sikri, located about 40 kilometers from Agra, was another important Mughal city that was built by Akbar in the late 16th century. The city was abandoned after only a few years due to water scarcity, but its impressive monuments, including the Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, and Panch Mahal, still stand today and attract thousands of tourists every year.

In summary, Agra was a center of art, architecture, and culture during the Mughal era, and the city’s rich cultural legacy is still evident in the magnificent monuments that were built by the Mughal emperors, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.

Post-Independence and Mughal legacy:

Agra is one of the most popular and well-known tourist destinations in India. The city is well known for its architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. As more and more tourists discover this historical city, tourism is now a major industry. This blog will look at the journey of Agra and cover topics like the city’s monuments, historical significance, and famous tourist attractions.

10 Important Historical Monuments in Agra:

Agra, a city in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is home to several important historical monuments that showcase the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. These monuments were mostly built during the Mughal era and are popular tourist attractions. Here are 10 important historical monuments in Agra:

• Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum that was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Agra Fort: Agra Fort is a massive red sandstone fort that was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. It served as the residence of the Mughal emperors for several generations and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Fatehpur Sikri: Fatehpur Sikri is a well-preserved Mughal city located about 40 kilometers from Agra. It was built by Akbar in the late 16th century and contains several impressive monuments, including the Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza, and Panch Mahal.
• Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb: Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb is a Mughal-era mausoleum that was built by Empress Nur Jahan for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. It is also known as the “Baby Taj” because of its resemblance to the Taj Mahal.
• Akbar’s Tomb: Akbar’s Tomb is a Mughal-era mausoleum that was built by Akbar’s son Jahangir in memory of his father. It is located in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra, and is a blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Persian architectural styles.
• Mariam’s Tomb: Mariam’s Tomb is a Mughal-era tomb that was built for Mariam-uz-Zamani, the wife of Akbar and the mother of Jahangir.
• Moti Masjid: Moti Masjid is a small mosque located within the Agra Fort. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century and is known for its stunning white marble facade.
• Jahangir Mahal: Jahangir Mahal is a palace located within the Agra Fort. It was built by Akbar for his son Jahangir and is known for its intricate carvings and paintings.
• Buland Darwaza: Buland Darwaza is a massive gateway that leads to the Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri. It was built by Akbar to commemorate his victory over the state of Gujarat.
• Panch Mahal: Panch Mahal is a five-story palace located in Fatehpur Sikri. It was built by Akbar in the late 16th century and is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful views.

Schools And Colleges in Agra:

Agra is home to several schools and colleges, both government and private, offering education to students of all levels. Here are some of the prominent schools and colleges in Agra:

1. St. Peter’s College: St. Peter’s College is a Catholic minority institution established in 1846. It is affiliated with the University of Agra and offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in arts, science, and commerce.
2. Agra College: Agra College is one of the oldest educational institutions in India, established in 1823. It is affiliated with Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University and offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various streams.
3. Dayalbagh Educational Institute: Dayalbagh Educational Institute is a deemed university that was established in 1917. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses in arts, science, commerce, engineering, and education.
4. Kendriya Vidyalaya, Agra: Kendriya Vidyalaya, Agra is a government-run school that follows the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum. It offers education from primary to senior secondary level.
5. Army Public School, Agra: Army Public School, Agra is a school run by the Indian Army that offers education from primary to senior secondary level. It is affiliated with the CBSE and provides a range of co-curricular activities.
6. Delhi Public School, Agra: Delhi Public School, Agra is a branch of the Delhi Public School Society, which is a renowned chain of schools in India. It offers education from nursery to senior secondary level and is affiliated with the CBSE.
7. St. Francis Convent School: St. Francis Convent School is a Catholic school that offers education from primary to senior secondary level. It is affiliated with the CBSE and focuses on academic excellence, character formation, and value education.
8. Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, Agra: Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, Agra is a private school that offers education from nursery to senior secondary level. It is affiliated with the CBSE and provides a range of co-curricular activities.
9. Agra Public School: Agra Public School is a co-educational school that offers education from primary to senior secondary level. It is affiliated with the CBSE and provides a range of facilities and activities to its students.
10. Raja Balwant Singh Engineering Technical Campus: Raja Balwant Singh Engineering Technical Campus is a private engineering college that offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various engineering disciplines. It is affiliated with Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University.

Restaurants And Hotels In Agra:

Agra is known for its rich Mughlai cuisine, and there are many restaurants and hotels in the city that offer a range of dining options. Here are some popular restaurants and hotels in Agra:

Restaurants:

• Peshawri: Located in the ITC Mughal hotel, Peshawri is a popular restaurant that offers authentic North-West Frontier cuisine.
• Dasaprakash: Dasaprakash is a South Indian restaurant that offers a variety of vegetarian dishes.
• Esphahan: Esphahan is a fine-dining restaurant located in the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel. It serves a range of Indian and Mughlai dishes.
• Joney’s Place: Joney’s Place is a popular street food joint in Agra that serves delicious chaat and other snacks.
• Shankara Vegis: Shankara Vegis is a vegetarian restaurant that serves a range of Indian and international cuisine.

Hotels:

• The Oberoi Amarvilas: The Oberoi Amarvilas is a luxury hotel located near the Taj Mahal. It offers stunning views of the monument and is known for its excellent service.
• ITC Mughal: ITC Mughal is a luxury hotel that is spread over 35 acres of land. It is known for its Mughal-inspired architecture and lush gardens.
• Jaypee Palace Hotel: Jaypee Palace Hotel is a luxury hotel that is spread over 25 acres of land. It offers a range of amenities and is known for its excellent service.
• The Gateway Hotel: The Gateway Hotel is a mid-range hotel that is located in the heart of Agra. It offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities.
• Hotel Atulyaa Taj: Hotel Atulyaa Taj is a budget hotel that is located near the Taj Mahal. It offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities at an affordable price.

Conclusion:

In the Mughal period, Agra was a provincial capital. It hosted the imperial court of Akbar, who later shifted his capital to Lahore and then Fatehpur Sikri. Agra played an important role in developing the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and the Agra Canal. The city was the capital of the British-ruled United Provinces from 1801 to 1828. During the 1857 rebellion, known as the First War of Indian Independence, the city was surrounded by the Indian Sepoys and then captured by the British East India Company after the Siege of Agra. Agra played a central role in developing the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Agra Canal.