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Perhaps
no other historical monument has evoked as much awe and admiration
from tourists and travellers alike, as the magnificent Taj Mahal-fondly
called by people as the ultimate requiem of love, from a great Mughal
Emperor to his beloved.
So overwhelming is the exquisite beauty and presence of this marbled
mausoleum that centuries later today, even the very land where it
has been located-Agra-has been immortalised as the City of the Taj.
Yet, it doesn't take much for the roving eye to discover that there's
more to Agra than just the fabled Taj Mahal. The city is a virtual
gateway to a world of discovery... a freeze-frame from a resplendant
era that's long since gone by.
In the great epic 'Mahabharaf, the region of Agra is described as
'Agrabana' (an integral part of the Brij Bhumi or the land of Lord
Krishna). The latter part of Indian history outlines the origins
of Agra to 1475 A.D., when the region founded its existence during
the reign of Raja Badal Singh.
However, Agra came into limelight during the rule of Afghan King
Sikandar Lodhi-who had made it the capital of his empire.
Later in 1526 A.D., the Mughal Emperor Babar took upon himself the
task of rendering Agra, a unique character and beauty of its own.
The visionary that he was and a great patron of the arts, Emperor
Babar brought in a change in the culture and life-style among the
people of Agra, which then brought forth some of the finest craftsmen,
artistes, statesmen, warriors and nobility, this part of India had
ever witnessed. The golden age ofAgra's history, thus began to set
in.
The
next few hundred years of Agra witnessed the rise of the pomp and
pageantry of three great Mughal Monarchs-Emperor Akbar, Jehangir
and Shah Jehan-all of whom lavished on this fabled city, their love
and riches immeasurable to transform the land into one of the great
centres of art, culture, learning and commerce.
Much of the city's impressive past lives in evidence even today,
in the haunting presence inside the monuments, the majesty of the
buildings, the exquisite arts and crafts and not to forget, the
lure of an exceptional cuisine... all, cherished as priceless legacies
of a nostalgic past.
The older city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent
history... captivating every visitor with fond memories to take
back home. Today, luxury and modern convenience also exist adjacent
to tradition-luxury hotels, shopping malls and plazas, wide avenues
and a superb choice of venues for recreation, business, sports,
pleasure, education and the arts.
General Information
Population : 11,11,086 ( Urban, as per 1991 Census ) Altitude : 169 Mtrs above sea level. Area : 82 Sq. Kms. Languages : Hindi, Urdu, English. Temperature :
Summer : 21.9° C - 45.0° C.
Winter : 4.2° C - 31.7° C. Rainfall : 66 cm Average yearly. STD Code : 0562
How to Reach There
Air : Agra is well connected to cities like Delhi, Khajuraho,
Varanasi etc. Kheria airport is 6 kms from Agra.
Rail : Agra is connected to the major cities in India.
Road : Agra is well connected to the following cities y road
: Mathura, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Jhansi,
Chitrakoot etc.
Shopping
Agra is one of the most important centres for handicrafts, made
of marble and softstone inlay work. The Mughals were great patrons
of arts and crafts. Empress Nur Jahan took personal interest and
was an accomplished artist herself in zari embroidery work. Agra's
major handicraft products besides inlay work are: leatherware, brassware,
carpets, jewellery and embroidery work. Agra is also well known
for its sweets petha' and 'Gazak' and saltish snack 'Dalmoth. The
main shopping areas of the city are Sadar Bazar, Kinari Bazar, Munro
Road, Rajaki-Mandi, Sanjay Place and the Taj Mahal Complex.
Perhaps
no other historical monument has evoked as much awe and admiration
from tourists and travellers alike, as the magnificent Taj Mahal-fondly
called by people as the ultimate requiem of love, from a great Mughal
Emperor to his beloved.
The
next few hundred years of Agra witnessed the rise of the pomp and
pageantry of three great Mughal Monarchs-Emperor Akbar, Jehangir
and Shah Jehan-all of whom lavished on this fabled city, their love
and riches immeasurable to transform the land into one of the great
centres of art, culture, learning and commerce.
