Does love mean only the romance between lovers, their love, and the desire to be together? Not at all. Love also comes from respect. Like gods and goddesses, love has many forms. Once one falls in love with that form, a person becomes human. That’s right! Today, I will tell you such a story, the story of such a place, which, if you know it, you will want to rush there right away. Yeah, it is not about the Taj Mahal.
Shah Jahan is still ahead in the way of men’s love and devotion. However, the story of women’s respect for their fathers may not be known to many people even today. We all know that Shah Jahan’s Taj Mahal is situated in Agra, Delhi. But did you know that there is another Taj there? Yes, there is another Taj Mahal located in Agra, Delhi. It is also called Mini or Baby Taj because it looks the same. This mausoleum was built by a daughter to pay respect to her father.
Which mausoleum are we talking about?
See, Agra is a romantic city in India which is famous for its love stories and historical heritage. Although Agra is known for the Taj Mahal, which is a symbol of love. But apart from the Taj Mahal, there are many places which have earned the title of the most romantic places in Agra. You all need to know that Baby Taj is the first tomb where marble stone arches have been made for the first time. It is considered to be the inspiration for the construction of the Taj Mahal. That is why it was named Baby Taj.
In Agra, after Chini Ka Roza, on the left bank of the Yamuna River, there is the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, built by Begum Nur Jahan in memory of her father. She was the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Nur Jahan completed the construction of her tomb in 1628, about 7 years after her father’s death. She wanted the monument to be made of silver.
Historian Rajkishore Raje states that author Bala Dubey in his book ‘Agra Ke Gali-Muhalle’ mentions Nur Jahan’s desire to have her father’s tomb made of silver. Though she changed her mind after being persuaded by her friend Sitti Unnisa. Built in the middle of a garden in the Charbagh style, the Itmad-ud-Daulah monument is now made of white marble.
For your information:
- The building has four round minarets, about 40 feet high, at the four corners, topped with marble umbrellas.
- It is decorated with multi-coloured decorations and carved in the form of bouquets, rose water vases, grapes, wine glasses and bottles.
- It houses the tombs of Mirza Ghiyas Beg and his wife Asmat Begum too.
Who was Mirza Ghiyas?
Nur Jahan’s father Mirza Ghiyas Beg held the position of Wazir during Jahangir’s reign. He was given the title Itmad-ud-Daula. Mirza Ghiyas Beg came to the Mughal court during the reign of Akbar. Akbar appointed him the treasurer of the Kabul province. He died in 1622 at Kangra, from where his body was brought to Agra for burial.
Is Baby Taj worth visiting?
Maybe, after reading all these, there are a few questions in your mind. Are you thinking about if Baby Taj is worth visiting or not? Let me tell you that Baby Taj is very worthy to visit. You should not compare Baby Taj with Taj Mahal because they are both well worth a visit. And needless to say that the Baby Taj is overshadowed by her bigger sister Taj Mahal. This is why there are far fewer visitors. So, as a very passionate traveler, it is my advice for you to visit Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula. If you end up in Agra, never miss this wonderful monument and find yourself in some nice clicks.
Agra was a major centre of trade
Rajkishore Raje said that Agra was a major centre of trade during the Mughal period. During Akbar’s reign, Lahore and Agra were the main markets not only of the country but also of Asia. Akbar’s prime minister Abul Fazl also described this. There was trade in carpets, shawls, spices, ivory, cotton clothes, and iron weapons. There were mints of coins in Agra and Sikri.
