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Fast facts:
When it was built: between 1622 and 1625 A.D.
By whom it was built: Nur Jahan
Nature of the architecture: Islamic style of architecture
General Introduction:
The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah was the first of its kind to be
built in marble. This mausoleum is home to the tomb of Mirza
Ghiyas Beg (later known as Itimad-ud-Daulah).This enchanting
piece of architecture is said to be the forerunner of the Taj
Mahal. Many of the patterns and designs of the mausoleum are
said to be used while constructing the Taj Mahal. The tomb marks
a break with the style of Mughal architecture. Its purely white
ornate carvings adhere to the Islamic style of architecture.
History:
The tomb of Itimad-ud- Daulah resembles a silver jewel box
in marble. Mirza Ghiyas Beg or Itimad-ud- Daulah was the lord
treasurer in the court of Jahangir. It was after his daughter
Nur Jahan married Jahangir that Mirza Ghiyas Beg was made the
lord treasurer of Jahangir's empire. Nur Jahan had developed
a coterie of men around her. She had assumed responsibility
in the court. The network of loyal men helped to strengthen
her position in administrative affairs. Nur Jahan took advantage
of the intoxication and extravagance of the aged king and she
gradually became more powerful. Mirza Ghiyas Beg played a significant
role in the Nur Jahan Junta as the treasurer. Mirza Ghiyas Beg
was a poor merchant who lived in Persia. He was the trusted
treasurer in Akbar's court. He rose to become the chief minister
during Jahangir's reign. He was given the epithet Itimad-ud-Daula,
or the pillar of the state. His daughter Meherun-nisa was a
peerless beauty. She later came to be known as Nur Jahan. The
Mughal emperor Jahangir was enslaved by her beauty. Nur Jahan
played a significant role in Jahangir's court with her father's
support. When Itimad-ud-Daulah died in 1622, Nur Jahan decided
to build a mausoleum in the loving memory of her father. Itimad-ud-Daulah
was buried in a tomb that resembles a jewel box and set in a
garden. This p4eaceful and serene garden located on the banks
of the Yamuna was to be a precursor to the Taj Mahal built later
extensively.
Features:
The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah marked a significant departure
from the Mughal style of architecture. It best exemplifies Islamic
style of architecture. It is one of the first tombs to be built
in marble. Built on the banks of River Yamuna, the designs and
patterns of the mausoleum were later used in building the Taj
Mahal. The Tomb has a Central Asian dome structure. The waterways
and paths are laid out in a geometrical pattern- a feature also
found in the Taj Mahal. Its paved pathways are flanked by lush
green gardens. Inlaid semi-precious stones in pietra dura style
were first used in the construction of the tomb, which is later
used in the design of the Taj. The intricate carvings on the
wall of the tomb include flowers, trees, fruit, animals and
birds as well as wine jars and even people. The jali screens
set in arched recesses and the four small minarets rise at the
four corners of the small tomb structure are splendid. Due to
the intricate carvings on the marble and marble screen work
its gives an impression of a majestic and gallant object.
Don't Miss:
The inlaid pietra-dura work along with intricate carvings on
marble are the special features of this mausoleum which best
describes it as a forerunner of the Taj. The intricate carvings
on the wall of the tomb include flowers, trees, fruit, animals
and birds as well as wine jars and even people will hold people
in thrall.
Indiaprofile.com offers detailed in formation on the tomb of
Itimad-ud-Daulah in Agra. The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is worth
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