What if I told you this dazzling jewel box before you isn’t just beautiful but also a sneak peek into the Taj Mahal’s design? This is the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah. Many call it the Baby Taj. It is an exquisite Mughal mausoleum right here in Agra.
I’timād-ud-Daulah Maqbara stands as a testament to love family and the evolving aesthetics of Mughal architecture. This tomb marks a pivotal transition. It bridges the gap between the red sandstone structures like Humayun’s Tomb and the Taj Mahal’s pristine white marble.
Let’s step back in time. The story begins with Mirzā Ghiyās Beg a Persian Amir in exile. He rose to prominence in the Mughal court. Emperor Jahangir bestowed upon him the title I’timād-ud-Daulah. This means pillar of the state. His daughter Nur Jahan later married Jahangir. She became a powerful empress in her own right. Nur Jahan commissioned this mausoleum for her beloved father between 1622 and 1628.
Interestingly Mirzā Ghiyās Beg was also the grandfather of Mumtāz Mahal. She was Shah Jahan’s wife. Shah Jahan of course built the Taj Mahal. The Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah therefore has a strong family connection to the Taj Mahal.
Look around. The mausoleum sits in the center of a charbagh. This is a four-quartered garden. It is located on the left bank of the Yamuna River. The entire complex covers about 23 square meters. The main structure rests on a red sandstone plinth measuring about 50 square meters. Octagonal minarets grace each corner. They rise to a height of about 13 meters.
Notice the walls. White marble from Rajasthan adorns them. Semi-precious stones create stunning decorations. Cornelian jasper lapis lazuli onyx and topaz form intricate patterns. Cypress trees wine bottles cut fruit and floral bouquets embellish the surfaces. Light filters through delicate jali screens. These are intricately carved white marble screens. Many believe that the interior decoration inspired that of the Taj Mahal.
Also of note is the fact that many of Nur Jahān’s relatives are interred here. The cenotaphs of her father and mother are placed side-by-side. This is the only asymmetrical element in the entire complex. This arrangement was later replicated in the Taj Mahal.
I’timād-ud-Daulah’s Tomb represents a masterpiece of Mughal architecture without a dome. It was the first tomb in India to be entirely constructed of white marble. It represents the move from red sandstone to white marble in Mughal architecture.
The tomb is situated in a Char-Bagh garden with enclosing walls and side buildings. Ornamental gateways and lawns adorn the north and south sides. A multi-storeyed open pleasure pavilion stands on the western side. It overlooks the river. Shallow water channels divide the garden into four equal quarters.
Each facade of the main tomb has three arches. The central one serves as the entrance. The other two are closed by jalis. The building is roofed by a square baradari. It features an ogee-curved roof.
The interior showcases polychrome ornamentation. Floral arabesque and geometric designs abound. Opus sectile mosaic and pietra dura inlay add to the beauty. Iranian motifs like wine vases cypress trees and flower bouquets appear throughout. Some designs are inspired by Ustad Mansur Naqqash. He was Jehangir’s famous flora and fauna painter.
Chapters from the Quran are carved on the external sides of the ground floor. The date of writing 1627 A.D. is mentioned.
As you leave remember I’timād-ud-Daulah’s Tomb is more than just a beautiful building. It is a window into Mughal history art and family. Its delicate carvings and serene gardens offer a glimpse into a world of emperors empresses and timeless love.