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I'tmad-ud-Daula Tomb, Agra

I'tmad-ud-Daula Tomb lies on the banks of the Yamuna River and was the precursor or even inspiration for the magnificent Taj Mahal. The much small Tomb of I'tmad-ud-Daula has many of the same characteristic features of its much larger counterpart, with semi precious stones decorations covering the white Rajasthan marble and these techniques were taken and improved for the Taj.

I'tmad-ud-Daula Tomb is architecture important as it is one for the earliest examples of the transition from first phase Mughal architecture to the second phase. The much more ancient first phase Mughal architecture was primary built from the red sandstone of the region while phase two migrated into more delicate and detailed buildings which were constructed from the distinctive white marble of Rajasthan.

 

The tomb was constructed in remembrance of Mirzā Ghiyās Beg by his daughter Nūr Jahān. The Tomb is called I'tmad-ud-Daula as this was the title bestowed upon Mirzā Ghiyās Beg and the title translates into Pillar of the State. Nūr Jahān commissioned the monument in1622 and it took a further 6 years to complete. The tomb of I'tmad-ud-Daula sits upon a raised plinth which covers an approximately area of 50 meters, surrounding the base are 13 meter towers of. Inside the tomb the white marble is inlaid with semi precious stones, which create intricate repeating patterns and images of wine bottle cypress trees and cut fruit.

 

There are delicate screens fashioned from marble which allow light to enter the central chambers of the tomb. Similar to the Taj the only non symmetrical items within the tomb complex are the two cenotaphs. I'tmad-ud-Daula Tomb, is local referred to as the Baby Taj or the jewel box thanks to the careful detail within the semi-precious stone carving. The tomb gets surprisingly few tourists when it is so closely related to the Taj and is only a short journey away. The entrance fee to the tomb in RS110, all rickshaw drivers kwon how to get there though it is to far for a cycle rickshaw so do not even waste your time flagging one down.

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Jodhpur Jodhpur Introduction Why is Jodhpur Blue? Weather of Jodhpur Jaswant Thada Meherangarh Fort Inside Meherangarh	Amritsar Amritsar Introduction Amritsar Weather Golden Temple Pakistan - India boarder Flag Down Ceremony	Shimla Introduction Things To Do When to Visit? Shimla - Kalka Railway Jakhoo Hill and Temple The Ridge Scandal Point	Centra Portugal Evora Fatima Tomar NazarE Peniche Agra Agra Introduction Agra Weather The Taj Mahal Agra Red Fort I'tmad-ud-Daula's Tomb Agra Town Marble of the Taj	McLeod Ganj Accommodation Guide Introduction Getting to McLeod Delhi to McLeod Bus Gaggal Airport Why are Buddhist in McLeod Flic en Flac Mauritius Mauritius or Zanzibra
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The beautiful encrusted semi-precious stones The intricate detail of I'tmad-ud-Daula's Tomb, Agra, India