Agra was the capital city of Sikander Lodhi, the second ruler of the Lodhi dynasty, who defeated by the persian King Babur in 1526 A.D. Babur too made Agra his capital city and so began the great Mughal rule. it was Babur who build the first monument in Agra, a planned garden garden called Gul-e-Afgaan or the Aaram Baugh.
During the rule of Akbar (1556 to 1605 A.D.) Agra earned fame all over the world and was counted one of the great and beautiful cities of Medinal India. Emperor Akbar constructed many beautiful buildings. In the premises of famous Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort. During his rule people of all caste and religion living friendly upon which Akbar declared the concept of "Sulah Kul" in making the personality of Akbar the great his "NAVARATANS" Raja Man Singh, Raja Toder Mal Hakeem Lukman, Raja Birbal, Mullah-Do-Pyaza, Abdul-Fazal-Feuzi, Abdul Rahim Khana Khan and Miyan Tan Sen Played an important role.
World famous Taj Mahal was constructed by Shahjahan in the sweet memory of his beloved queen Mumtaj Mahal. Agra earned the world fame due to Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan''s period was remembered as a golden period for construction of good buildings and for their beautifications.
NIGHT VIEWING OF TAJ MAHAL
Night viewing of Taj Mahal has been allowed from 28th November, 2004 for five nights in a month including the Full Moon night and two days before and two days after except Fridays and month of Ramzan as per the order of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The night viewing of Taj Mahal is opened from 8-30 p.m. to 12-30 in eight batches of 50 persons for half an hour duration. The visitors of the night viewing of Taj Mahal have to report at Shilpagram complex half an hour in advance of the viewing time. The entry is allowed from the Eastern Gate of the Taj Mahal only after security check near the Eastern gate. The visitors have to keep their luggage at the counter fee of cost. No video camera is allowed in side the monument during the night viewing.
The night viewing tickets of Taj Mahal can be purchased from the Booking Counter located in the office of Archaeological Survey of India, Agra Circle, 22 The Mall, Agra, Uttar Pradesh in between 10-00 am to 6-00 p.m. one day in advance of the date of night viewing. The night viewing ticket can be cancelled in the Booking counter of ASI at 22 The Mall, Agra on the same date of viewing upto 1.00 p.m.with cancellation charge of 25% of the ticket.
Rate of Night Viewing Ticket: Indian (Adult)- Rs 510/-; Foreigner (Adult)- Rs 750/- and Children ( 3Yrs to 15 Years age)- Rs. 500/-.
The forthcoming full moon dates of the years from 2007 to 2010 is given below. The day of full moon may subject to minor variation.
Mehtab Bagh
50 years ago, when the Taj was built on the Yamuna''s south bank, a moonlight garden called Mehtab Bagh was also laid just across the river. It was laid alongside the northern waterfront. The place was once an oasis with fragrant flowers, shaded pavilions, fountain jets and reflecting pools but it ceased to exist in the due course of history. Slowly, the site became barren.
This 25-acre plot has now turned in to an epicenter for the apex court-ordered project to establish protective greenways around the Taj. As the land is reclaimed, historians and geographers from around the world are jostling to learn about the magnificent garden that once existed near this oasis. A breakthrough technology inspired from Iran has been applied to bloom the Mehtab Bagh once again.
This interest in Mehtab Bagh has developed due to the increasing concern for the Taj and its grounds, which are threatened by urban sprawl, too many tourists, and air pollution that eats away at the shrine''s marble exterior. The lush gardens that once lined the riverbanks on either side of the Taj may be reincarnated in a scheme to shield it from further depredations. Conservationists maintain that a buffer zone of greenery would keep development at bay and help remedy local air, noise, and water pollution. Much of the land for the greenbelt had already been acquired through an earlier initiative to establish a 340-acre national park around the Taj.
Chini Ka Rauza
This was constructed by Afzal Khan - a high official in the court of Shahjahan. Decorated by glazed tiles on the façade, the structure clearly depicts the Persian influence in architecture. Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Ram Bagh
One of the earliest Mughal gardens, it was laid out by Emperor Babar - the founder of the Mughal dynasty. It is said that Babar was temporarily buried here before being permanently interred at Kabul in Afghanistan.
Mariyam''s Tomb
This unique tomb in red sandstone was built in 1611 A.D. in memory of Emperor Akbar''s Goan-Christian wife - Mariyam. The tomb has some exceptional carvings.
Jama Masjid
This building, with a rectangular open forecourt was constructed in 1648 AD by Shahjahan''s daughter, Jehanara Begum in memory of the famous Sheikh Salim Chishti and his grandson Islam Khan. Of particular importance is its wonderful assimilation of Iranian architecture.
Dayalbagh
The headquarters of the Radhaswami sect. On the sprawling lawns here, is a beautiful marble temple under construction for almost 100 years now
