After visiting the massive Red Fort, another monument, which requires mention as I further explore the Mughal city of Agra is the ‘Baby Taj’ or Itmad-ud-daulah’s tomb. Itmad-ud-daulah’s tomb, the third
beautiful and historical building, was the first architectural work of the Mughals. It was designed by Empress Noor Jahan, the wife of
Emperor Jahangir in 1622A.D. in the memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who was the Prime Minister of the Mughal court. It is popularly
called a forerunner to the Taj Mahal, as many of its designs were made in the Taj itself. The
tomb stands on the opposite side of the river Jamuna, about 1.5 Km. It can also be reached enroute, the Jawahar Bridge.
Mirza Ghiyas Beg belonged to a rich family of Tehran in Persia. He left Persia in sheer penury and was benefited from the influence of his daughter, then called Mehr-u-Nisa, who was born to him when he was traveling to India from Tehran. The story goes that due to his poverty, Mirza Ghiyas Beg abandoned his daughter. She was picked by another merchant, but a snake guarded her and returned her back to them. Later when, he joined the court of Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri, he rose to high positions. Mehr-u-Nisa was a very beautiful girl and Prince Saleem who was also growing up, met each other and fell in love. But Akbar, the Great did not accept this decision of Prince Saleem and got Mehr-u-Nisa married to Sher Afghan. When Emperor Akbar died, Jahangir murdered Sher Afghan and married Mehr-u-Nisa and bestowed the title of ‘Noor Jahan’ to her. She is also called the ‘Light of the World’.
After the death of her parents in 1620A.D., she constructed this fabulous mausoleum. The main entrance gate is made of red sandstone. It is enclosed by a beautiful garden, which is fenced by high walls on all fours sides. On the four corners, there are double-storied minarets. The main chamber is richly decorated with mosaics and semi-precious stones inlaid in the white marble. According to some historians, the concept and skills of Pietra dura, must have been imported from European home of 16th century Florence to India. In the center of the hall are the cenotaphs of Itmad-u-daulah and his wife, Asmat-u-Nisa or Asmat Begum. The design of the positions of the cenotaphs was replicated in the Taj Mahal.
The tomb is a highly ornate edifice famous more for its inlay carvings with soft architecture.
Two more places, which require special mention in Agra and visitors must visit are the ‘Chini ka Roza’ and ‘Aram Bagh’ or ‘Ram Bagh’. The former has the cenotaphs of Shukrullah, the famous poet of Shiraz and the other of his wife. Shukrullah also served the emperor’s, Jahangir and Shah Jahan with their finances. It is nearby Itmud-u-daulah’s tome. The latter is an old beautiful garden, which lies 22 Kms in the north of the tomb. It was build by Emperor Babur in 1528A.D., who was a great nature admirer.
More summaries about the Itmad-ud-daulah's Tomb and Others