The inception of the term ‘Taj Mahal’ is ambiguous. Historical records from Shah Jehan’s rule only refer to it as Mumtaz Mahal’s rauza (tomb). It’s broadly accepted that ‘Taj Mahal’, interpreted as either ‘Palace Crown’ or ‘Crown of the Palace’, is a shortened form of her name, Mumtaz Mahal (Esteemed One of the Palace).
- Ajay Day Tours - Taj Mahal
Agra was the chosen city of the Mughal emperors during the early years. It was here that the founder of the dynasty, Babar, laid out the first formal Persian garden on the banks of the River Yamuna. Here, Akbar, his grandson, raised the towering ramparts of the great Red Fort. Within its walls, Jehangir built rose-red palaces, courts and gardens. Shahjahan embellished it with marbled mosques, palaces and pavillions of gem-inlaid white marble. Agra is globally renown as the city of the Taj Mahal, a monument of love and imagination, that represents India to the world.
Agra Fort
Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially converted into apalace during Shah Jahan's time. Though the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort. The colossal walls are 20 feet high and the whole fort is encircled by a fetid moat. Amar Singh gate towards the south is the only entry point in the fort. The building and structures inside the fort gives an impression of a city within the city. Many of the buildings inside the fort are now closed for the public. The marble pearl mosque inside the fort is one of the most stunningly beautiful mosques in India. Itmad-ud-daulah,
one of the most beautiful of Mughal tombs, stands across the river Yamuna from the Taj Mahal, nearly one and a half kilometers up-stream. Belonging to the age of Jahangir, it contains cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas and Asmat Begum, parents of the powerful Mughal Empress Nurjahan queen of Jahangir, an exceptional beauty and an astute administrator. Mirza Ghiyas had left Persian in sheer penury in search of better prospects at the Mughal court. He benefited much from the influence of his daughter who he had once abandoned in the desert. Akbar offered him a good rank and privileges. Jahangir made him his prime minister with the title Itmad-ud-daulah (Pillar of the State). Nurjahan’s brother Asaf Khan later became prime minister of Shahjahan. This Persian family formed at the Mughal court giving the grand Mughals two most celebrated queens- Nurjahan and Mumtaz Mahal (Lady of the Taj), daughter of Asaf Khan.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Drinks
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
