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Agra History, India

Agra is a famous city in Uttar Pradesh in the North region of India, known for its tremendous history and fantastic art. It is about 200 kilometers away from the capital, Delhi. It is based on the western bank of the Jamuna River. It is a city of world wonder.

The most famous claim to fame for Agra is the infamous Taj Mahal which is the most beautiful monument of the “The seven wonders of the world” and by fortune it is in Agra. It is a renowned tourist destination and the most popular in India. Agra is rich in culture, tradition, literature and religion. The history of Agra is interesting and it is otherwise known as the city of love. That is why everyone is attracted to Agra for the history and culture and to feel the depth of love of the ancient Indians.

Agra has not always been Agra. In the Indian classic Mahabharat, current day Agra is known as Agravana. This is due to the fact that during the ancient period of India, when the Aryans conquered India’s Agra, they called the city Arya Griha. It was not until the Greek Philosopher Aristotle referred to Arya Griha as Agra that it became known under its current name.

It is said that Badal Singh was the founder of the city of Agra in 1475. But other historians believe that the city of Agra was founded in the 16th century by Sikandar Lodhi who was the ruler of the Lodhi dynasty. The history of Agra is strongly related with the Mughal dynasty, however the city was ruled under various other dynasties. Each dynasty left their influence and impression of culture in the city.

Babar the foremost emperor and the founder of Mughal dynasty stayed in Agra for a few years. He was the first to begin the Persian style of square gardens in the city. But the glory of the city began to rise during the periods of Akbar, Jahangir, and Sahajahan. Akbar planted the seed of culture and heritage in the city while the city flourished during the era of Sahajahan. During this time, the Taj Mahal was erected and the symbol of ever green love was initiated. There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites that are located in Agra. They include the Taj Mahal, the Fatehpur Sikri and the Agra Fort. The ruler Akber build the latter two.

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Taj Mahal facts
review by cipristb posted more then 30 days ago
The Taj Mahal is considered one of the 7 wonders of the world in 2007. It is located in Agra, India and was built between years 1630 and 1653 by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum in memory of the second wife, Muslim Persian princess Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan was very affected by the death of his...