Itmad-ud-Daula Tour

Itmad-ud-Daula, also known as the Baby Taj or the Bachcha Taj, is a Mughal mausoleum located in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. Here are some intriguing details about this historical gem:

1. Historical Significance:

   • Often described as a “jewel box”, the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula is regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal.
   • It was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Mirzā Ghiyās Beg (originally a Persian Amir in exile).
   • Mirzā Ghiyās Beg held the title of I’timād-ud-Daulah (pillar of the state) and was the grandfather of Mumtāz Mahāl, the wife of Emperor Shah Jahan (responsible for the construction of the Taj Mahal).

2. Architectural Features:

   • The tomb is often called the “Baby Taj” due to its exquisite design and delicate craftsmanship.
   • Built between 1622 and 1628, it represents a transition from the first phase of Mughal architecture (red sandstone with marble decorations) to the second phase (white marble and pietra dura inlay).
   • The walls are adorned with white marble from Rajasthan, intricately encrusted with semi-precious stones like cornelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx, and topaz.
   • Light filters through delicate jali screens of intricately carved white marble, inspiring the interior decoration of the Taj Mahal.

3. Location and Setting:

   • Situated on the eastern bank of the Yamuna River, the mausoleum is surrounded by a large cruciform garden with watercourses and walkways.
   • The tomb itself covers about 23 meters square, built on a base approximately 50 meters square and one meter high.
   • Octagonal towers grace each corner, rising about 13 meters tall.

4. Family Connections:

   • Many of Nūr Jahān’s relatives are interred in the mausoleum.
   • Interestingly, the cenotaphs of her father and mother are set side-by-side, a formation replicated in the Taj Mahal.

Itmad-ud-Daula stands as a testament to Mughal architectural finesse and the enduring legacy of the dynasty. If you visit Agra, don’t miss the chance to explore this captivating “Baby Taj”!

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