Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, also known as the ‘Baby Taj’, is an impressive mausoleum located in Agra, India, that serves as the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the grand father of India’s most famous Mughal ruler, Jahangir. Built by Empress Noor Jahan in 1628, the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is one of the earliest examples of Mughal architecture in India, and its intricate stone inlay work, and carvings provide an incredible insight into the culture of the time. In this blog post, we explore some fascinating facts, interesting information, and provide a travel guide to the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah. So, read on to find out more about one of India’s most outstanding monuments.

Interesting Facts About Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

1. The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is often referred to as the “Baby Taj” due to its large similarities with the Taj Mahal.

2. Itimad-ud-Daulah was the first mausoleum to be built with white marble in India, leading to it being the prototype for the Taj Mahal.

3. The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is also known as the “Jewel Box” thanks to its intricate latticework and painted artwork setting in a garden.

4. The building was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the powerful empress of the Mughal Empire and wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.

5. The garden surrounding the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah uses a Persian-style concept of four gardens in four directions, known as the Chahar-Bagh.

6. The tomb was built in 1622 AD, a few years before the Taj Mahal, and is considered one of the finest examples of Mughal art and architecture in India.

7. The tomb houses four tombs within it, including those of Nur Jahan’s father and mother, along with the tombs of other family members.

8. The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is considered one of the most important Hispanic/Islamic structures in India.

• Sun Temple : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, sometimes referred to as “Baby Taj,” is a Mughal mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg who had been given the title of Itimad-ud-Daulah. The tomb was constructed between 1622 and 1625 and is considered to be the precursor of the Taj Mahal.

Itimad-ud-Daulah is noted for its finest artwork in marble and semi-precious stones and it served as an inspiration for the architecture of Taj Mahal. This tomb has also been described as the “draftsman” of the Taj Mahal. The building is of octagonal shape and is surrounded by Char Bagh gardens, laid in the Mughal style. It is situated on the left bank of the River Yamuna, facing the Agra Fort.

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah consists of a two-storeyed main structure, a tall adjoined gateway at the back, an eight-pillared Mosque at the western side, and a hammam at the eastern side. The main tomb is built on a raised marble platform with four pillars at each corner, supporting an intricately carved white marble pavilion in the centre. The tomb itself is made of white marble with beautiful inlay work of semi-precious stones. The interior of the tomb has elaborately carved marble screens. The river Yamuna, which flows to the east of the tomb, provides a picturesque setting for the mausoleum. The Char Bagh gardens, situated around the tomb, provide a lush green backdrop.

The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is an important part of Agra’s architectural heritage and it is visited by a large number of tourists every year. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with several other monuments near Agra, such as the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort.

• Mahabodhi Temple Complex : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Travel Guide For Visiting Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah in Agra is an incredible sight to behold. Built in the 17th century, this monument is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture and is also considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal. Here’s a guide to visiting this important monument.

Getting There:

The tomb is located west of the Yamuna River in Agra and is accessible by car, bus, or taxi. The nearest railway station is Agra Cantonment Station, located six kilometers away and the nearest airport is Kheria Airport, located 28 kilometers away.

When to Visit:

The best time to visit the tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is during the cooler months of October to March. However, if you’re looking for a quieter experience, then visiting in the summer months (April to June) may be a better option.

Opening Times and Fees:

The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Entry fees for international visitors are INR 500 per person.

Things to See:

The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is both beautiful and fascinating. The main building consists of four levels of intricate carvings, gold adornments, and marble archways. Other points of interest include the nearby riverfront gardens, the nearby Jama Masjid Agra, and the nearby marble factory.

Tips for Visiting:

• Dress conservatively and follow all local rules and regulations.

• Bring lots of water and snacks as there are no food or drinks near the monument.

• Wear sunblock and hats as the monument grounds can get very hot.

• Take plenty of photos and enjoy the incredible views of the Taj Mahal from the site.

• Nizamuddin Dargah : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Charminar : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Pancha Rathas : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah

Q1. What is the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah?

A1. The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is a magnificent white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was constructed in the early 17th century by the Mughal emperor Jahangir, as a memorial for his foster mother and Chief Minister Itimad-ud-Daulah.

Q2. What is the architectural style of the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah?

A2. The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is a perfect blend of Persian and Mughal architectural styles. The use of white marble and complex inlay work made it an impressive and iconic work of Mughal architecture.

Q3. What is the history behind the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah?

A3. The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah was built by the Mughal emperor Jahangir to commemorate the life of his foster mother and Chief Minister Itimad-ud-Daulah. Construction of the Tomb began in 1622 and it was completed in 1628. It was the first Mughal structure made entirely of marble.

• Jama Masjid : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Interesting Facts,History & Unique Things About Cooch Behar Palace
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple