Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb: The “Baby Taj Mahal”

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is a Mughal mausoleum located in Agra, India. It was built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The tomb is often referred to as the “Baby Taj Mahal” because of its similarities to the Taj Mahal.

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is located on the banks of the Yamuna River. It is a small, square building with a white marble exterior. The tomb is surrounded by a garden with fountains and pavilions. The interior of the tomb is decorated with intricate pietra dura work, which is a type of inlay work that uses semi-precious stones.

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb was built in the early 17th century. It is considered to be one of the earliest examples of Mughal architecture to use white marble. The tomb is a masterpiece of Mughal art and architecture. It is a beautiful and serene place to visit, and it is a reminder of the glory of the Mughal Empire.

History of Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Mirza Ghiyas Beg was a Persian nobleman who served as a minister in the court of Akbar the Great. He was the father of Nur Jahan, who later became the wife of Jahangir. Ghiyas Beg died in 1621, and Nur Jahan commissioned the construction of his tomb in his memory.

The tomb was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who was also the architect of the Taj Mahal. Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb was built over a period of seven years, and it was completed in 1628.

Architecture of Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is a small, square building with a white marble exterior. The tomb is surrounded by a garden with fountains and pavilions. The interior of the tomb is decorated with intricate pietra dura work, which is a type of inlay work that uses semi-precious stones.

The tomb is built on a raised platform, and it has a central chamber that is surrounded by four smaller chambers. The central chamber contains the cenotaph of Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The four smaller chambers contain the cenotaphs of his wives and children.

The exterior of the tomb is decorated with intricate latticework and carvings. The roof of the tomb is made of white marble, and it is supported by four pillars.

The interior of the tomb is decorated with intricate pietra dura work. The walls of the tomb are inlaid with semi-precious stones, including jasper, lapis lazuli, and turquoise. The floor of the tomb is also inlaid with semi-precious stones.

Significance of Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is considered to be one of the earliest examples of Mughal architecture to use white marble. The tomb is a masterpiece of Mughal art and architecture. It is a beautiful and serene place to visit, and it is a reminder of the glory of the Mughal Empire.

The tomb is also significant because it was built by Nur Jahan, who was one of the most powerful women in Mughal history. Nur Jahan was the wife of Jahangir, and she served as his regent during his final years. She was a patron of the arts and sciences, and she played a significant role in the development of Mughal culture.

Visiting Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is located in Agra, India. It is open to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week. The entrance fee is 200 rupees for Indian citizens and 500 rupees for foreign tourists.

The tomb is a popular tourist destination, and it can get crowded during peak season. It is recommended to visit the tomb early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is a beautiful and serene place to visit. It is a reminder of the glory of the Mughal Empire, and it is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Mughal builders.