A Brief History of Agra

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A Brief History of Agra and Its Significance:

Agra is probably the only city comparable to Delhi in terms of its contemporary history. The historical fame attached to Agra is greatly attributed to the Mughals rule. It was the capital of Sikandar Lodhi in 1501 from the North Western Frontiers, who discovered this place. Yet, it soon passed into the hands of the mighty Mughals who virtually held the sway for ages.

Agra And Its Past:

Shahjahan

Agra is one of the most significant earliest cities of India with rich historical and cultural value. This striking town is situated in the holy branch of Brij Bhoomi (home of Lord Krishna), on the right bank of river Yamuna. In ancient days the city was strengthened with sixteen gates and was considered as one of the powerful cities of India.

The earliest history of Agra is recorded in Mahabharata, where it is mentioned as Agravana. It is mentioned in the Indian history that the origin of Agra goes to 1475 AD, the reign of Kshatriya hero Badal Singh. In the year 1475 A.D Badal Singh had built a fort for defense against Mohhammedan invaders and named it as Badalgarh. Emperor Akbar constructed his grand fort in place of Badalgarh fort after demolishing it. Later Sikandar Lodhi set base in Agra in 1492 AD and inhabited a city Sikandarabad at a distance of 8 km from Agra. In this way, according to the brief history of Agra as it is known today is believed to be established by Sikandar Lodhi of Lodhi dynasty. The Persian ruler Babar defeated the last king of Lodhi dynasty Ibrahim Lodhi and established the mighty Mughal Empire in Agra, India.

A Brief History of Agra Under The Rule Of Mughals

Agra was the Mughal capital of India during 16th and 17th century. Emperor Akbar founded the present city. The city of Agra developed and rose into prominence during the first hundred years of the Mughal rule. Both Babur and Humayun, the first two Mughal emperors, built a few structures here, but none of them were of particular historical significance. Then Akbar, the son of Humayun took Agra to great heights under his rule.

Tajmahal at Dawn

From 1570 to 1585, the capital city of Akbar was Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. For the next fourteen years, he ruled from Lahore and after that he shifted back to Agra and stayed until his death till 1605. Shah Jahan constructed nearly every monument of significance here in Agra and it was under his rule that the Jama Masjid, the Agra fort and the Taj Mahal were built.

Shahjahan had built the Taj as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal, his beloved wife. He was overthrown and imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb who did away with a number of relatives ahead of him in the line to the throne to take it over in 1658. Aurangzeb shifted the capital of the Mughal empire to Agra and ruled from there till his death which marked the decline and death of the great prevailing Mughal rule in India.

Mumtaj Mahal

Jats also ruled Agra for a short period of time who, plundered it royally and planned to damage the Taj Mahal too. The Marathas soon wrested power out of their hands afterwards the English did not let the Maratha last long. After the end of so many rulers in Agra, the glory of Mughals was lost forever.

Why It is Famous For?

Agra, the famous city in Indian history is mainly popular for its various well-built monuments, and the history that stands for the Indian glorious years of powerful ruling. Tajmahal, one of the sights recognized as the world heritage centre by UNESCO in Agra attracts millions of tourists every year.

How to Reach

Agra is well connected with all the modes of travel. The Kheria airport is about 6 kms away from Agra. Tourists have multiple plying options to reach the airport. Being an important centre of the Central Railway, Agra is well connected to all parts of the country. The two fastest connections from Delhi are the super-fast Shatabdi Express (journey time 2 hours) and Taj Express (2.5 hours).Moreover, driving on NH 2 from Delhi is a pleasurable and enjoyable journey because of its four-lane double carriageway with very good and smooth surface. It takes a mere 4 hours to cover 200 kms distance from Delhi to Agra. Taxi services has made it possible to travel at peoples' own time, own convenience and own risks.