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 Today the popularity of Taj Mahal has become so widespread that one hardly realizes that there is Agra beyond Taj Mahal also. Agra, the culturally and traditionally rich city of Uttar Pradesh in India enjoys an interesting connection with history. The historical monuments located in and around this city bear evidence of this. However on flipping through the pages on the history of Agra, you will find that the name of this city was mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharata also where it is referred to as Agravana.
Going little deep into the historical background of Agra, you will also get to know that the city of Agra was also known by the names Arya Griha or the abode of the Aryans. It was Ptolemy who first named it Agra the name that is used in present days.
Basically in the history of Agra you will come across the names of the Mughal emperors under whose rule the city witnessed an all round development with special focus in the field of art. But apart from the impact of the Mughal dynasty, Agra was also ruled by different dynasties at different points of time.
Agra History reveals that it was in the 16th century that the modern city of Agra was established by Sikandar Lodhi the ruler of the Lodhi dynasty. Later Babar who founded the Mughal dynasty also sojourned here. It was under his rule that Persian style gardens were constructed in the city. Then, Akbar arrived in Agra and founded Fatehpur Sikri town. Fatehpur Sikri served as a capital to Mughal dynasty for about 15 years.
In the history of Agra you will also find the mention of Jahangir. The great ruler Jahangir built attractive and imposing palaces and landscaped gardens here. However the glorious journey of the city of Agra started with the enthronement of Shah Jahan. Under the rule of Shah Jahan Mughal architecture flourished beyond comparison. In fact during his reign Taj Mahal was built. Besides, in 1658 Aurangzeb detained his father Shahjahan in the Red Fort in Agra which has become another fascinating tourist highlight of the city now. Aurangzeb is said to have shifted his base from Delhi to Agra and made it the capital of Mughal Empire. Till his death, Agra served as the capital. Later when Mughal Empire could not survive several regional kingdoms appeared on the scene. Later it was Jats then Marathas and lastly the British who took over the city.
Tajmahal-tours.com offers interesting and detailed information on History of Agra and Taj Mahal Tours, India.
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