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Agra is one of the main historical cities of India. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, Agra was one of the important cities under Mughal period. The beautiful city Agra came into public interest when Sikandar Lodhi decided to transfer the capital city from Delhi to Agra. It was capital city for some of the great Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jehangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. For the period of the Mughal period, Agra acquired number of dazzling monuments like Agra Fort, Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri and Chini ka Rauza. The historical city Agra has found its mention in the famous Hindu epic Mahabharata as the forest of Agraban close to Mathura. Badal Singh founded the city in 1475. Sikandar Lodhi made Agra his capital city. Later, Babur conquered the Lodhis to capture the city situated on the banks of River Yamuna and thus, the long association of Mughals with Agra started. The Mughal love of architecture translated into beautiful monuments such as Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached.

Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra, in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River. The history of Agra, the Taj Mahal India is one of the great love stories of the world. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ruled from 1628 to 1658 and was married to Arjumand Bano Begum. He called his wife Mumtaz Mahal (Crown of the Palace), because she was so loved to him. Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan had 14 children and the queen accompanied Shah Jahan everywhere. The history of Agra, the Taj Mahal tells us many mythology and facts associated with this wonderful structure. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan Built the Taj Mahal in the remembrance of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Bano Begum), an indivisible companion of Shah Jahan, died in 1631, while giving birth to their 14th child. Her dying wish to Shah Jahan was that he should construct a tomb in her remembrance such as the world had never seen before. The history of Agra, the Taj Mahal begins with Mumtaz Mahal's tragic end. It is thought that during her last moments, Mumtaz Mahal obtained a promise from Shah Jahan that he will build world's most beautiful tribute in her remembrance. But this has not been proven to be true, till date. However, Shah Jahan did certainly build a wonderful monument as a tribute to her wife, which we today know as the "Taj Mahal". Shah Jahan, himself also, lies entombed in this tomb along with his wife. The construction of Taj Mahal started in the year 1631 and it took just about 22 years to build it. An essence of love, it made use of the services of 22,000 laborers and 1,000 elephants. It was built totally out of white marble, which was brought in from all over India and central Asia. After an expenditure of approximately 32 million rupees, The Taj Mahal was finally finished in the year 1653. However, the history of Agra Taj Mahal of India still has some gaps. Their real tombs are in an underground room of the Taj Mahal. The two ornamentally decorated tombs on the ground floor, protected by the dome of the Taj Mahal are part of the stylistic design of this beautiful monument in Agra India. The history of the Taj Mahal in Agra is a love story that transcends time and continues to be retold each day to the tourists who trip the Taj Mahal in Agra India.

Most Popular Places In Agra

Taj Mahal One of the Seven Wonders of the World built by Emperor Shahjahan. Renowned for its spectacular architecture and aesthetic beauty, the Taj Mahal is also a symbol of enduring love, built by Shah Jehan to house the grave of his beloved wife, Queen Mumtaz Mahal, who died following the birth of their 14th child.

Agra Fort Construction of the massive red sandstone Agra Fort on the bank of the Yamuna River was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565, though additions were made up until the rule of his grandson, Shah Jahan.

Fatehpur Sikri The founding of Fatehpur Sikri reads like a fairy tale. When all else had failed, the Emperor Akbar came here in search of the renowned Sufi mystic, Sheikh Salim Chishti, to ask the blessing of a son.

Jehangir Palace This was built by Akbar for his preferred son Jehangir to provide him with the soothe and luxury inside the fort. This palace displays an outstanding combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture.