History of Agra
Agra has a rich historical background that is long dated back in Indian history its been India’s capital for long time before it was shifted to Delhi for good, which is vastly evident from the numerous historical monuments in and around the city of Agra. The earliest reference for Agra comes from the epical age, when Mahabharata refer Agra as Agravana.
Agra was referred by one other name prior to Agravana & that was Arya Griha or the abode of the Aryans. The first person who referred Agra by its modern name was Ptolemy. Hence it was called by name of Agra then onwards & has become integral part of Indian tourist map; people visiting India make it a point that they visit this city of love & historical importance that has its own charm for tourists.
Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty, numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city. Modern Agra was founded by Sikander Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty; Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar built the Agra fort and Fathepur Sikri near Agra. Fathepur Sikri remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jehangir beautified Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in Kashmir with which he was passionately attached but Agra, not for even a single time was out of his agenda so he kept on improving this city but only after Taj Mahal was built this city of love flourished in Mughal Empire.
It was the rule of Mughal Emperor Shahajahan when Agra came to its own. That was the time he marked the zenith of Mughal architecture in Agra, when he built the Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. In his later years, Shahajahan shifted his capital to the new city of Shahjahanabad in Delhi and ruled from there. Shahajahan was dethroned in 1658 by his son, Aurangzeb who imprisoned him in the Agra Fort. Aurangzeb shifted the capital back to Agra till his death. After the death of Aurangzeb, Mughal Empire could not touch its peak and many regional kingdoms emerged. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British taking over the city; hence the diversity in culture & architecture is evident in this historic place better known as simile of love… that is Agra.
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