Tomb of Akbar, Sikandara, Agra, Uttar Pradesh India.
Akbar’s magnificent mausoleum in Sikandra, which is the finest edifice of Mughal architecture of its time, really it’s amazing. From any point of view this magnificent building does not seem to be a mausoleum but appears to be a grand palace which is very beautiful.
Being a descendant of Genghis and Temur, Jalal Uddin Muhammad Akbar who was adept at fighting skills, brave and great horse rider. His understanding of ethics was amazing. Nine gems in his court were a great asset for him. If I say that this building is a mirror in which the entire image of Akbar can be seen, then perhaps it would not be wrong. He was a emperor who built his empire from Kabul to Bengal Assam and Kashmir to Gujarat. He encouraged secularism by organizing small states through Mansabdari. Through culture and traditions, political relations have been strengthened. If he is called the Chakravarti Samrat, it will not be unfair.
Main Tomb is having marvelous composition, built on a square plan and having five receding storeys. All the four sides, arcaded Verandahs, they are the burial chambers as Akbar’s daughters graves are there. All the four faces Iwans are there just in the center and topped with Palanquin style rectangular umbrella built by white marble supported by white marble pillars. Stone hanging are supported by brackets. Hipped roof is crowned by two elongated finials are in the center of lotus petals. Rest three stores are built up by red stone in receding manner. Top storey is built by white marble. It has numerous Umbrellas and other architectural elements. South Iwan is the entrance to the main tomb chamber through the hall which is richly decorated by paintings, calligraphic work and Pietra Dura inlay work. Muqarnas which display the honeycomb sections are magnificent. As the original work was done by Gold and Gems which were looted by a rebellion Jat Rajaram when Mughals were losing their control. He burnt this Hall to collect the Gold, still marks are visible. To access the original grave a narrow corridor and again a slope is there in the form of a ramp where heads leaned forward. It’s not having any dome and plain ceiling is having the height of Iwans. Four sides ventilators are there allowing fresh air and light rays just on the grave.
Very exciting feature is there, when we stand towards the head side of the grave and then we look front it’s amazing, through narrow corridor, Southern Iwan means entrance to the tomb, center of the main entrance and the Red Stone door where the first step is kept by the visitors is clearly visible and perfectly aligned. Hope this feature will be the exciting experience. Complimentary hymns to praise the Akbar’s philosophical views in the form of couplets, in the form of ornamented inscription on the walls among the Quranic verses is remarkable and spectacular. This complete work was done by the Abdul Haq Shirazi and according to an inspiration it was completed in 1612 AD.
Having Char Bagh pattern and boundary walls are having the Gates in all the three directions out of which one is partially damaged. Garden depicts the Heavenly Abode and it’s a deer Park too. In the South East side visitors may see the ruins of the Hunting Villa which was built by Curzon.
This entire complex is an elegant and superb monument. From here the empress Nur Jahan was inspired to introduce the inlay work in the Tomb of her Parents and emperor Shah Jahan was inspired by the Minarets. It’s a classical heritage and everyone must visit once, those who can afford easily.
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