Itmad-Ud-Daullah's Tomb, Agra

The Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daullah in Agra, India, is one of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of Mughal India. Located just 1 ½ km from the world-famous Taj Mahal, the Itmad-Ud-Daullah's Tomb was built in 1622 AD by the powerful Mughal Empress Noor Jehan in memory of his father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Mirza Ghiyas Beg was the prime minister in the Mughal court and the Mughal Emperor Jehangir has awarded him with the title of 'Itmad Ud Daullah', which literally translates as 'the pillar of the state'. A fine example of Indo-Persian architecture style, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daullah was built in the famed Char Bagh pattern surrounded by beautifully landscaped green lawns

Built entirely of white marble with intricate mosaic and lattice, the Itmad-Ud-Daullah's Tomb is believed to be the first pure marble tomb of the Mughal India. A highly ornate edifice with a beautiful profusion of artistic motifs, jali work and intricate carvings, this mausoleum served as a model for the construction of the legendary Taj Mahal in the later years. In fact, its beautiful inlay designs and carvings are considered even superior to the Taj Mahal , and that's why the tomb sometimes is referred to as the 'Baby Taj'.

A look-alike of a magnified jewel box, Itmad-Ud-Daullah's Tomb rises to a height of 21 meters and has dome-roofed octagonal minarets of 12 meters each at its four corners. Its main chamber is richly decorated with intricate mosaics and semi-precious stones inlaid in the white marble. The most interesting feature of the inlay work done on the walls of Itmad-Ud-Daullah's Tomb is the recurring theme of wine caskets with snakes and cypress trees as their handles, which were considered to be a symbol of death. See the beautiful Itmad-Ud-Daullah's Tomb, and appreciate its architectural richness on your Agra Travel with Taj Tourism.