Tomb of Akbar — Attraction in Agra

Akbar's magnificent mausoleum in Sikandra, which is the finest edifice of Mughal architecture of its time, really it's amazing. From any point of view this magnificent building does not seem to be a mausoleum but appears to be a grand palace which is very beautiful.

Being a descendant of Genghis and Temur, Jalal Uddin Muhammad Akbar who was adept at fighting skills, brave and great horse rider. His understanding of ethics was amazing. Nine gems in his court were a great asset for him. If I say that this building is a mirror in which the entire image of Akbar can be seen, then perhaps it would not be wrong. He was a emperor who built his empire from Kabul to Bengal Assam and Kashmir to Gujarat. He encouraged secularism by organizing small states through Mansabdari. Through culture and traditions, political relations have been strengthened. If he is called the Chakravarti Samrat, it will not be unfair.

Main Tomb is having marvelous composition, built on a square plan and having five receding storeys. All the four sides, arcaded Verandahs, they are the burial chambers as Akbar's daughters graves are there. All the four faces Iwans are there just in the center and topped with Palanquin style rectangular umbrella built by white marble supported by white marble pillars. Stone hanging are supported by brackets. Hipped roof is crowned by two elongated finials are in the center of lotus petals. Rest three stores are built up by red stone in receding manner. Top storey is built by white marble. It has numerous Umbrellas and other architectural elements. South Iwan is the entrance to the main tomb chamber through the hall which is richly decorated by paintings, calligraphic work and Pietra Dura inlay work. Muqarnas which display the honeycomb sections are magnificent. As the original work was done by Gold and Gems which were looted by a rebellion Jat Rajaram when Mughals were losing their control. He burnt this Hall to collect the Gold, still marks are visible. To access the original grave a narrow corridor and again a slope is there in the form of a ramp where heads leaned forward. It's not having any dome and plain ceiling is having the height of Iwans. Four sides ventilators are there allowing fresh air and light rays just on the grave.

Very exciting feature is there, when we stand towards the head side of the grave and then we look front it's amazing, through narrow corridor, Southern Iwan means entrance to the tomb, center of the main entrance and the Red Stone door where the first step is kept by the visitors is clearly visible and perfectly aligned. Hope this feature will be the exciting experience. Complimentary hymns to praise the Akbar's philosophical views in the form of couplets, in the form of ornamented inscription on the walls among the Quranic verses is remarkable and spectacular. This complete work was done by the Abdul Haq Shirazi and according to an inspiration it was completed in 1612 AD.

Having Char Bagh pattern and boundary walls are having the Gates in all the three directions out of which one is partially damaged. Garden depicts the Heavenly Abode and it's a deer Park too. In the South East side visitors may see the ruins of the Hunting Villa which was built by Curzon.

This entire complex is an elegant and superb monument. From here the empress Nur Jahan was inspired to introduce the inlay work in the Tomb of her Parents and emperor Shah Jahan was inspired by the Minarets. It's a classical heritage and everyone must visit once, those who can...

Akbar's tomb, also known as Akbar's Mausoleum or Akbar's Tomb Complex, is a historical site located in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra, India. It is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar, one of the greatest Mughal emperors who ruled India from 1556 to 1605.

The tomb complex was commissioned by Akbar himself during his lifetime, and its construction began in 1605 after his death. It was completed in 1613 under the reign of his son, Emperor Jahangir. The tomb complex combines elements of Islamic, Hindu, and Persian architectural styles, reflecting Akbar's inclusive approach to religion and culture.

The tomb itself is built of red sandstone and stands in the center of a large, walled garden. The mausoleum has four main entrances, each adorned with impressive gateways. The structure is four-tiered, with a white marble cenotaph of Akbar placed on the ground floor, in the basement chamber. The cenotaph is intricately carved and surrounded by screens, giving it an elegant and decorative appearance.

The tomb complex also includes several other structures, such as the tomb of Akbar's daughter, Mariam-uz-Zamani, and the tomb of Akbar's grandson, Jahangir. These structures are built in a similar architectural style and contribute to the overall grandeur of the complex.

Visiting Akbar's tomb allows visitors to appreciate the architectural and cultural significance of the Mughal era. The intricate craftsmanship, combined with the serene surroundings, makes it a popular tourist attraction in Agra. It is also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical importance and architectural brilliance.

Please note that my knowledge cutoff is in September 2021, so there might have been some recent developments or changes regarding Akbar's tomb that I'm not aware of. It's always a good idea to double-check with current sources for the most up-to-date information before...

During visit of Agra, must visit this place. Though it's a tomb of Mughal family. Mainly emperor Akbar built this area as Royal grave yard but only few of the familys' member are been buried here. The mausoleum of Mughal emperor Akbar, Sikandra is a red sandstone and marble tomb built by the emperor himself, and finished by his son, Jehangir. It is a symbol of the Mughal ruler’s philosophy and secular worldview, bringing together the finest in Hindu and Islamic architectures. It is also one of the most well-preserved monuments in the region, retaining most of its original glory. The tomb lies within a charbagh, which is a beautiful addition to the complex. During reign of Aurangzeb, the Jats under the leadership of Raja Ram Jat, ransacked the intricate tomb, plundered and looted all the beautiful gold, jewels, silver and carpets, whilst destroying other things. He even, in order to avenge his father Gokula's death, plundered Akbar's tomb, looted it and dragged Akbar's bones and burned them in retaliation.

The interior of the tomb bears calligraphy reflective of the tenets of Din-e-Ilahi, a religious movement founded by Akbar that brought together Islam, Hinduism and several other faiths. The true tomb, as in other mausoleums, called last Sanori as it was decorated with gold. It is in the basement. There are few gold flowers still carved at the top of the tomb most of them were looted during the sudden attack. The buildings are constructed mainly from a deep red sandstone, enriched with features in white marble. Decorated inlaid panels of these materials and a black slate adorn the tomb and the main gatehouse. Panel designs are geometric, floral and calligraphic, and prefigure the more complex and subtle designs later incorporated in Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb.

Ticket 20 INR per person. Extra 10 INR need to pay as...