|
 One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal is a symbol of love and its charm has awe-inspired all and sundry who has been on a tour to Agra to catch a glimpse of this architectural marvel. This highly inspirational marble structure is an eminent landmark of Agra and is also accompanied by lots of other monuments that are located adjacent to it. This discussion would be incomplete without the indispensable mention of Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb. It is an ideal example of the Mughal architectural brilliance, and is located at a distance of 1 ½ kilometers from the Taj Mahal in Agra. It is quite identical to the Taj Mahal in appearance.
Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb in Agra is the resting place of Mirza Ghiyas Beg and his wife Asmat Begum who were the parents of Empress Nur Jahan. Nur Jahan happened to be the wife of Emperor Jehangir. As a matter of fact it was Queen Nur Jahan who built this eye-catching white marble mausoleum for housing her parents' remains. Mirza Ghiyas Beg was a prominent official in the Mughal court and was awarded with the title of 'Itmad Ud Daulah' the literal translation of it means 'the pillar of the state'. Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb is without doubt one of the most impressive of the monuments around Taj Mahal.
The interiors of Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s tomb near Taj Mahal are simply breathtaking, showcasing complex latticework and carvings on marble to produce spectacular marble screens. The fragile pietra dura work on the walls of this peaceful mausoleum, the pure marble mausoleum with its four minarets set in the center of a char bagh style garden is said to have enthused the inlay work done on the Taj Mahal that was constructed on similar guidelines, though on an exceptionally grand scale.
An interesting attribute of the inlay work done on the walls of Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb is the frequent theme of wine caskets with snakes for handles. Another thing to notice is the dexterously laid patterns of cypress trees that signify death and exotic combinations of geometrical patterns that embellish this tomb. The plethora of delicate carving and inlay work make the entire tomb look like a classy jewel casket and it owns the honor for being the first pure marble tomb of its kind in India. Its enduring charm should not be missed out in case you are on your tour to Agra.
Tajmahal-tours.com offers online information on Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb and also valuable inputs on other Monuments of Agra
| 
