Situated on the banks of the Yamuna river in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is the former capital of India. One of the most populous cities of India, Agra has a rich history. Though the most ancient mention of Agra can be found in the legend Mahabharata, Agra's fame is mainly associated with the Mughal Empire.
For over 100 years, Agra was the capital of the pompous Mughal Empire. it is generally accepted that Sultan Sikandar Lodi, the ruler of Delhi Sultanate founded the city of Agra. Agra had a succession or rulers and its golden period started under the reign of the Mughals. It was then known as Akbarabad and it remained the capital of the Mughal Empire under the rule of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan who later shifted the capital to Delhi where he founded Shahjahanabad.
The legendary wealth and love for beauty for the three generations of Mughal rulers in Agra found expression in outstanding art and architecture. Apart from the exquisite Taj Mahal, the impressive Agra Fort and the nearby Fatehpur Sikri, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Agra city contains many other monuments which combine Persian, Hindu and Islamic influences.
Agra is more than beautiful buildings.It can rightly be said that it is a microcosm of north India where multiple religions and faiths co-exist. Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims in Agra still follow the ancient ways of life, celebrating festivals and fairs as their forefathers did. Agra is surounded by villages and farmlands, from where people flock to the city for the daily needs. Agra's bazaars teem with spices, fruits, vegetables, colourful fabrics, jewelry and household wares, giving a picture of typical north India.
No comments:
Post a Comment