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Famous Mughal Monuments in India

Author: Swati Saxena

India is the treasure trove of historical monuments spread across its length and breath. Explore some of the greatest architectural monuments and be treated by fascination and glory that leaves the travelers in immense astonishment.

Taj Mahal :

Described as a 'tear on the face of eternity', Taj Mahal is undoubtedly one of the world's most marvelous monuments ever built for love. Over looking the Yamuna river, Taj is located in the historic city of Agra in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his second wife- Mumtaz Mahal, who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. Taj is a world Heritage Site and comes in the list of the eight wonder of world. Presenting the finest example of the Mughal architecture, it is the most extravagant monument, built at the cost of 32 million rupees. In total some 20,000 people from India ans Central Asia to produce the exquisite marble screens and pietra dura made with thousand of semi precious stones.

Fatehpur Sikri :

The ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri, 40 kms southwest of Agra, was the short lived capital of the Mughal Empire for approximately 12 years. The magnificent town was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Akbar visited Sikri to consult the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, who predicted the birth of his son. When the prophecy come true, Akbar named his prince as Salim and built his new capital here. The complex of monuments and temples presents the greatest example of Indo Islamic architecture. Some of the major attractions of Fatehpur Sikri are Diwan-i-khas, Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Khwabagh, and Anup Talao. Fatehpur Sikri is adorned with largest mosque in Jama Masjid, also known as Dargah Mosque.

Agra Fort :

The city of Agra is most famous for Taj Mahal, but it is also famous for the Agra Fort, which is among the finest Mughal Forts in India. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, it is 2 kms from north west of Taj Mahal. It is great monument of red sandstone built by Mughal Emperor Akbar between the years 1565 and 1573.Earlier the fort was built primarily as a military structure but later on Shah Jahan transferred into the palace and later it became the gilded prison for eight years after his son Aurangzeb seized power in 1658. The special attractions of the Mahal are Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Anguri Bagh and an ornamental bath housed inside the palace of mirrors or Sheesh Mahal.

Humayun's Tomb :

Humayun's Tomb is the Delhi's first Mughal mausoleum, located on the Lodhi's road, 2 kms from Purana Quila. It was built in the mid 16th century by Haji Begum, the Persian born senior wife of second Mughal emperor Humayun. It was added in the list of World Heritage Site in the year 1993. Constructed of red sand, inlaid with black and white marble, Humayun's tomb is must visit on the tour to capital city of Delhi. The octagonal structure is adorned with the double dome that soars to a height of 38 m- the inner shell forms the vaulted ceiling. There are many other small monuments inside the Tomb. Chief among them are lack-and-yellow marble tomb of Humayun's wife and the tomb of Humayun's barber.
About the Author:
Swati Saxena is an eminent travel writer, she have authored websites like :



www.indian-holidays.net
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