Itimad-Ud-daulah is a mausoleum in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built during the reign of Mughals. It was built by Nur Jahan, the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir after the death of her beloved father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. It is a beautiful monument, which is often described as Baby Taj or silver jewel box.

 

Mirza Ghiyas Beg was a poor Persian merchant, but was fortunate enough to obtain a great place in the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Later, Jahangir, son of Akbar married his beautiful daughter Nur Jahan. He became the treasurer of the state and was given the title Itimad-Ud-Daulah.

 

Itimad-Ud-Daulah was the first tomb built on the banks of River Yamuna and it has several design features that were later used in the world famous Taj Mahal. This tomb covers twenty three square meters. There are 13 m high hexagonal towers on each corner of the tomb. The walls are made with white marble and are embellished with semi precious stones. Itimad-Ud-Daulah was built in a domed structure and is complete with beautiful garden. The arched entrances, beautifully carved floral patterns and intricate marble screen work enhance the overall appearance of this tomb. The tomb attracts many tourists by its glorious Pietra dura decorations, which represent Cyprus trees and wine glasses. In this mausoleum, many other relatives of Nur Jahan are interred. In this complex, the cenotaphs of Itimad-Ud-Daulah and his wife have been set side by side and this was replicated in the Taj Mahal.

 

 © 2009 Abiyoyo SL