Akbar's Tomb, Agra, Uttar Pradesh India

One of the most important bases of Mughal power, Agra is home to some of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. One of these is Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra , where one of the greatest emperors in the world lies buried. Perhaps the greatest monarch India has ever seen and definitely the most powerful and able ruler of the Mughal dynasty, Akb ar supervised the construction of the tomb himself during his lifetime. The rest of the tomb was completed by his son Jahangir after Akbar's death.

Located at a distance of just 4 kilometers away from Agra, Sikandra is named after Sikander Lodhi. A perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain styles of architectures, Akbar's Tomb is just like the ideals of the great monarch himself an amalgamation of the positivities of different cultures. The most important aspect of the construction is that it shows the developing style of Mughal architecture. The tomb comprises of three-storey minarets on four corners which is perhaps the most characteristic feature of Islamic architecture. Another important feature of early Mughal architecture is also evident in its construction which is the combination of red sandstone and marble, a feature that was to be replaced completely by marble in the later period.

A five storey building the tomb also houses the remains of Akbar's daughters, Shakrul Nisha Begum and Aram Bano. IndianHoliday.com offers online information on Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra and other tourist attractions of Agra and other cities of India. To avail this facility or for more information on the hotels of India, please, enter your queries in the form.Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra is by far the most unique among the sepulchres of Asia. The tomb is situated on the Agra-Mathura road on National Highway No. 2. Sikandar Lodhi, the powerful king of Lodi dynasty, made Sikandra his capital in 1492 A.D. and inhabited this township. Though all the glorious signs of the then Sikandra are no more now, except a beautiful Baradari, made of stone.

Construction of this beautiful monument was started by Akbar himself in 1602 A.D., but could not be completed as Akbar lived. Akbar died before his mausoleum could be completed and his son Jehangir completed it in 1613 A.D. with a cost of Rs. 1.5 million at that time. The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar represents his philosophy and secular outlook. This structure is a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs.

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.

The mausoleum is built partially in red sandstone and in marble, with a mixture of Hindu and Moslem design elements. It can be seen as a transition between the older architectural style, based on red sandstone and the new, with marble as the main element and finer ornaments and carvings.