Akbar’s Tomb is a Beautiful Mughal Architectural Wonder located in Sikandra of Agra on Agra Delhi Highway. Akbars Tomb is a final resting place of Emperor Akbar.
Akbar was consider as a Great Ruler in the History of India. Akbar Respect all Religions and also married Hindu Princess Jodha Bai to maintain Peace and Harmony with Rajpoots.
‘Akbar ka maqbara’ is surrounded by 4 Quadrant lush Green gardens as per Mughal Tomb’s architecture. It also represents a Concept of Heaven.
In the middle of ‘Akbar ka maqbara’ Akbar’s dead body is present.
There are some animals like Black Buck Deers is present inside which were left there during British Rule. Some Lodhi Dynasty buildings are also present in surroundings.
History, Architecture of Akbar’s Tomb
Akbar was a Great leader of Mughal Dynasty. He was very popular among local people and used to give respect to all religions. He was responsible for the Glory of Mughals in Art, Architecture and Trade.
Akbar’s full name was ‘Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar’. ‘Akbar’ is a Arabic Word which literally translates to ‘Great’. Akbar could not read or write but he delighted Art, poetry, Music, Philosophy etc.
A few Jesuit missionary came during his Rule, He addressed them and built the first Church “Akbar’s Church” in Agra, India.
Akbar’s Tomb is located in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra. Akbar planned his Tomb during his Death Bed.
Akbar was suffering from Dysentery (a deadly disease during 17th Century) in his early 60’s and after few weeks of without recovery died in 1605.
Unfortunately he was not able to complete his Tomb during his illness. So, After his Death his son Jahangir completed Akbar’s tomb in 1613 with more artful style work.
Due to Lodhi Dynasty before Mughals, you will find Old Lodhi Palaces nearby. Mariam uz Zamani Tomb was also constructed on Lodhi’s ‘baradawari’.
Four main gates were made around tomb to maintain the symmetry. Out of them Southern gate is larger one, at the top of it you will find the large dome, surrounded by white marbles minarets at four corners similar to Taj Mahal. At the entrance of southern gate 99 names of Allah is inlayed on white marbles.
Geometric Flower patterns and calligraphic design are made in large mosaic designs with the help of White marbles and Red sandstone.
Main mausoleum is surrounded with huge walls. Ground floor is made up of Red sandstone and first floor is made from White Marbles. It is actually a Pyramid of 5 storey located on first floor. Upper story is closed for public view.
In the middle, there is a chamber where Akbar dead body is present as a tomb.
Akbar’s mausoleum also have other graves, two belong to Akbar’s daughter and other two belong to Aurangzeb’s daughter and son in law.
Some Interesting Information about Akbar The Great –
- Akbar was the son of ‘Emperor Humayun’ and Hamida Bano Begum. He was the Grand Child of First Mughal Emperor ‘Babur’ and a descendant of ‘Genghis khan’ ( Founder of Mongol Empire).
- Akbar has 3 Wives Ruqaiya Begum, Salima Begum and Jodha Bai. Akbar has 6 Childrens – Shahjadi Khanum, Aram Banu Begum, Shakr Un Nissa, Murad Mirza, Daniyal, Salim (Emperor Jahangir).
- Akbar Built Many Monuments in India and neighboring Countries Like Agra Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, The Lahore Fort, The Allahabad Fort, The Ajmer Fort, the Amber Fort, Mariam-uz-zamani Tomb etc.
- Akbar has a huge respect for both Hinduism and Muslim. He also married with Princess Jodha Bai from Amber (Jaipur) to maintain peace with Rajpoot’s. Akbar’s tomb was built with the combination of Hinduism and Islamic Culture.
- During the Aurangzeb Rule (Grandson of Akbar), a Jat King Raja Ram attacked this Tomb and plunder all jewels from Akbar’s grave. He also took the bones of Akbar from his Grave dragged on Road and burnt them lately as a sign to take revenge of his father Death King Gokula.
- Aurangzeb took this step as disrespect and ultimately killed Raja Ram
- As Akbar was illiterate but he Has best courtesan of India with him.
- Akbar has Nine Gems or Nine extraordinary courtiers (navratan’s) in his Court to help him rule.
- Akbar’s Navratan names are – Abul Fazl (Writer), Faizi (Persian Poet), Miya Tansen (Court Musician), Raja Birbal (intelligent Court Jester), Raja Todarmal (Finance Minister), Raja Man Singh (General of Army), Abdul Rahim Khan-i-khana (Poet), Fakir Ajiao-din (Mystic and Advisor), Mullah do Pyaza (Advisor).
Interesting Facts about Akbar’s Tomb :
- Akbar design his own Tomb even the location before his death
- Agra Mathura road along Akbar’s Tomb is also known as GT Road is being used since Mughals era.
- Sikandra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi, a small palace is also available next to Akbar’s tomb.
- Black Buck was brought here by Britishers and is still living there.
- In 1905, Lord Curzon did heavy renovation in Akbar’s Tomb.
- Jodha Bai (Mariam) Tomb is just 1 km from it.
- This place was also used as a Hunting Ground by many Mughal’s Rulers later by Britishers.
My Personal Experience with Akbar’s Tomb :
Starting from entrance gate till Akbar’s grave, it is fabulous to watch. If you are Photo enthusiast or History lover then you will definitely love this place. It has a beautiful gardens which is used by local people as a picnic place. This Tomb has a lot of Greenery and is a best place to relax with friends.
All Four Main Gates has beautiful Designs and a good place to take photograph. It’s beautiful designs will give you a glimpse of early Mughal architecture in India.
TIPS TO VISIT ‘AKBAR KA MAQBARA’ :
- Take Taxi/Auto to reach this place. Nowadays OLA (Rs. 50 Discount Code – 2X2R2KU) or UBER services are available.
- There are plenty of Food places nearby in Sikandra Town.
- No Food items, drugs, alcohol etc is allowed inside premises. Better to Eat and Relieve yourself before entering.
- No water or Loo Facility is Available inside the Tomb Area.
- Winter’s are best to visit this place, In summer the temperature goes upto 48 degree Or you can visit in Sunrise or Sunset to avoid heat stroke. ๐
- Timings of Akbar’s Tomb : 6 a.m to 6 p.m
- Book Online Tickets to Avoid Line and Get 5% Instant Discount.
- Book Entry Tickets Here..
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