Chini Ka Rauza in Agra
Chini Ka Rauza: An Introduction
Chini ka Rauza
Chini ka Rauza is the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah of Shiraz, a renowned scholar and poet who was the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The tomb was built in 1635.
Location:
Chini ka Rauza is situated just a kilometer north to the famous Itmad-ud-Daula on the same side of Yamuna. The structure is notably a masterpiece work of architecture of glazed tile decoration.
Significance:
Considered as one of the oldest buildings in India Chini Ka Rauza represents the Persian architecture in the history of India. Chini-ka-Rauza is considered as the milestone in Indo-Persian architecture has been exclusively decorated by the glazed tile works.
History related to it:
Mir Afzal Khan, a senior Wazir or minister in the court of Shah Jahan constructed this tomb. He was mainly a resident of Shiraz in the then Persia and migrated to India on the invitation of Shah Jahan. Being a poet-scholar, later he rose to the post of Wazir-e-Ala i.e. Prime Minister in the reign of Shah Jahan. The man himself constructed Chini-ka-Rauza. The title is derived from two Persian words Chini Mitti and Rauza that means glazed tiles and tomb respectively.
From Chini ka Rauza
Description of the Tomb:
Parts of the walls of this tomb are covered with the colored enamel tiles that enhanced the whole of the exterior and offered the tomb its name, while traces of paintings and Islamic calligraphy can still be made out on the high domed ceiling. Some Quranic verses are inscribed on top of the chamber. The craftsmanship is still worth seeing, though it is in a bad condition.
According to the archeological 1871-72 survey report, the complete tomb was surrounded by high walls and boasted of gateways on North and South direction along with two three storied octagonal towers and a ghat of stone masonry near the river bank. The main tomb of the structure is square in shape, while the central chamber is octagonal with eight arched recesses. In the main four of the eight arched recesses arched recesses are pentagonal arched and the remaining four are square shaped, providing openings on all four sides.
Other Places of Interest In Agra
- Taj Mahal
- Agra Fort
- Fatehpur Sikri
- Itmad-Ud-Daulah
- Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra
- Swami Bagh Samadhi
- Mankameshwar Temple
- Guru ka Tal
- Ram Bagh
- Mariam's Tomb
- Mehtab Bagh
Agra is an exquisite centre of culture and arts. The variety of art and culture in the great Agra city are not only remarkable but also the mirrors of the cultural and artistic talents of the Indian populace during the grandeur past. This city has many ancient temples, mosques, forts, several mausoleums, tombs and historical monuments. The city boats of two structures of unparalleled beauty, the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. The well accomplished magnificent monuments in Agra, breathtaking traditional paintings, folk dances, folk music, embroideries, and unparallel cloth designing and stitching are the reminiscences of the past glory and some of the talents are still preserved in this historical town. Sculptors, musicians, painters, jewelers, artisans, metal workers, carpet makers, weavers and embroiderers frequently visited the Royal courts during the reign of the Mughal Period. The local population comprised of talented artists and the artisans.
Several temples like, Balkeshwar Temple located on the banks of River Yamuna, Kailash temple placed at Sikandra, Mankameshwar temple at Rawatpara, Prithvinath temple situated at Rajpur Chungi and Mahakali temple located at Sikandra are some of the important temples in Agra. These temples are the center of religious and cultural activities.
Best Season to Visit Agra:
- Agra has severe temperatures in summers and winters and moderate temperatures in other seasons.
- Summers (April to June) are quite hot and not considered as ideal place to visit.
- During the months of the monsoons (June to October) rain showers are expected. In the heavy rain the Taj Mahal looks beautiful.
- Winters (November to March) are very cool and temperature can touch as low as 2 degree Celcius and accompanied by thick fogs prohibiting travels due to poor visibility. Flights can be delayed during this period