Agra Uttar Pradesh - Agra
was as important a city in the
ancient times as Mathura.
Referred
to as Agraban in ancient Hindu
scripts, Agra as it exists today
was established by a local chieftain
and was a part of the Surasena
Empire.
Agra came into limelight only
when Sikander Lodhi established
his empire in these parts and
made Agra his capital.
It was
much later that the Mughal Emperor
Babar established his stronghold
in Agra.
Once Agra became a part
of the Mughal Empire it embarked
on a whirlwind journey to becoming
a great Mughal architectural museum.
During the reign of Akbar, Jehangir
and Shah Jahan, Agra became an
important center of arts, crafts
and architectural glory.
History of Sikandra
Historically, the name of Sikandra bears the memory of the Afghan general Sikandar Lodhi who occupied Agra in the year 1492 A.D. Sikandar Lodhi constructed a fort here and later a town grew up around it, which became known as Sikandra.
He also built the Baradi Palace inside the mausoleum gardens but that is now a forgotten chapter of history.
Four kilometers from Agra is the mausoleum of Akbar. Construction of this beautiful monument was started by Akbar himself.
This structure is a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs.
But Akbar died before his mausoleum could be completed and his son Jehangir completed it.
Jehangir made many modifications in the original plan of the building. The structure gives an excellent idea as to how the Moghal art was
developing.
From the Humayun's tomb in Delhi to Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra finally to the Taj Mahal.
How to Reach
By Air : Nearest airport is located at Agra, which is connected with Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho and other important cities of India. From the airport, you have to take the road journey to reach Sikandra which is 10 kms north-west of the Taj Mahal on the Delhi – Agra highway.
By Train : Agra Cantt. Railway Station is the major railhead near Sikandra. Several express, superfast and mail trains run from various parts of the country to Agra. If you want to visit Sikandra from Delhi, Taj Express and Shatabadi express are good options for you as they run every day to Agra. From Agra railway station take bus, auto rickshaw or taxi to reach Sikandra.
By Bus : Agra is well connected by National and State Highways with important places of the country. As Sikandra is situated on the Delhi – Agra Highway, so it is well-served by buses. If you are visiting Agra from Delhi you may leave your bus at Sikandra.
