Considering its affectionate nickname, shouldn’t we call it Baby Taj for short? The Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah is often called Baby Taj. But its real name honors a man of great importance.
Welcome to the Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah. This stunning mausoleum stands as a jewel box. It shimmers in the Indian sun. It is a draft of the Taj Mahal. It showcases the transition from red sandstone to white marble.
Mirza Ghiyas Beg was the father of Nur Jahan. He was a Persian Amir in exile. He rose to become a minister. Emperor Jahangir gave him the title Itimad ud Daulah meaning pillar of the state. Nur Jahan commissioned this tomb for her parents. Construction took place from 1622 to 1628.
The Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah sits in a Charbagh garden. This four-quartered garden offers peace. The mausoleum covers 23 square meters. It rests on a red sandstone plinth. Octagonal minarets rise from each corner. They reach 13 meters high.
Look closely at the white marble walls. Semi-precious stones create intricate decorations. Cornelian jasper and lapis lazuli shine. Onyx and topaz form cypress trees. Wine bottles and fruit vases appear. Light filters through delicate jali screens. These screens are intricately carved. Many believe this interior inspired the Taj Mahal.
Nur Jahan’s relatives are interred here. Her parents’ cenotaphs stand side-by-side. This formation is also replicated in the Taj Mahal.
Mirza Ghiyas Beg served Akbar. He became Prime Minister after Nur Jahan married Jahangir in 1611. He died in Agra in 1622. Nur Jahan built this tomb for her parents. Her own tomb is in Lahore.
Notice the polychrome ornamentation. Floral designs and geometrical patterns adorn the exterior. Opus sectile mosaic uses stones tiles glass and enamel. Pietra dura inlay features semi-precious stones. Iranian motifs decorate the walls. Wine vases flower bouquets and cypress trees stand out. Some designs mirror the plant studies of Ustad Mansur Naqqash. He was a famous painter of flora and fauna.
The Quran is carved on external panels. Chapter 48 and 73 appear. The date 1627 AD is also mentioned. Chapter 67 is inscribed on internal panels.
The Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah marks a shift. It is from red sandstone to white marble. It is a masterpiece without a dome. It is the first building finished in white marble.
Shallow water channels divide the garden. Tanks and cascades add to the beauty. The main gate faces east. Lawns and ornamental gateways enhance the north and south sides. A pleasure pavilion overlooks the river.
The tomb stands on a plinth. Stairways of red stone lead up. Lotus tanks with fountains decorate each side. The tomb is square with octagonal towers. Chhatris top the corners. Each facade has three arches. Jali screens close the side arches.
Inside a central hall holds cenotaphs. These belong to Asmat Begum and Mirza Ghiyas. Oblong rooms connect to square rooms. Corner rooms have tombstones. These are for Nur Jahan’s other relations.
The Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah represents Persian influence. It is the first tomb made entirely of marble. It is an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. The tomb stands as a testament to artistic prowess. It embodies lavish artistic sensibilities. A visit here takes you back in time.
Remember this jewel box. It is a testament to love and artistry. It is a pillar of Mughal architecture. It is the Tomb of Itimad ud Daulah.