Sunday, January 25, 2015

Incredible India - Tomb of Akbar @ Sikandra

As part of Incredible India series, this post is for Tomb of Akbar the Greatlocated in Sikandrasuburbs of historical Agra city of Uttar Pradesh, most populous state in India.


The Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great is an important Mughal architectural masterpiece, built in 1605–1613 and set in 119 acres of grounds in Sikandranamed after Sikandar lodi, the Delhi ruler who was in power from 1488 to 1517 A.D. When tourists visit Agra, most often then not, Taj Mahal and Agra Fort is in the itinerary with many not knowing about the Tomb of Akbar in SikandraIts such a magnificent monument that one can truly appreciate only after paying it a visit. Akbar was one of the greatest emperors in the history of India and this beautiful mausoleum is befitting Akbar the Great.
 



The third Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great (1555–1605), himself commenced its construction in around 1600  A.D., according to Tartary tradition. After his death, Akbar's son Jahangir completed the construction in 1613 A.D. Akbar in a way stands for what truly India is, a true secular country with diversified culture, religion and ethnic origins. Akbar was born to a Sunni father and Shia mother in Hindustan, the land of Sufism at the house of a Hindu. He is said to be married to a MuslimHindu and Christian and thus the structure has a perfect blending of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain themes. 



The decoration on the gateways is strikingly bold, with large mosaic patterns set into it and four minarets rising from the corners are particularly striking and are similar to those of the Taj Mahal. Built of red sandstone, the minarets are inlaid with white marble polygonal patterns with the south gate being the largest. Akbar's Tomb complex external entrance from the road, built to imitate the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri, the city, Akbar founded. Portico in front of Akbar's grave in the basement is covered with beautiful stucco paintings.



As part of Incredible India series, I had earlier shared blog posts on Karnataka Road TripQutub MinarGolconda FortHumayun's TombTemples in DelhiBird WatchingGwalior Fort, Gwalior Palace MuseumTemples in Gwalior& Agra Fort 

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