Tomb of Akbar Tour

The Tomb of Akbar, also known as Akbar’s Tomb, is the mausoleum of the third and greatest Mughal emperor, Akbar. Here are the key details about this historical monument:

1. Location:

   • The tomb is situated in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.
   • It stands on 119 acres of grounds and is approximately 8 kilometers west-northwest of Agra’s city center.
   • Nearby lies the Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani, Akbar’s favorite wife, who was later buried there by her son, Jahangir.

2. Construction and Architecture:

   • Akbar’s son, Jahangir, commissioned the construction of the tomb after Akbar’s death.
   • The tomb was built between 1605 and 1613 and cost 1,500,000 rupees.
   • The main structures are constructed primarily from deep red sandstone, adorned with features in white marble.
   • The tomb reflects a fusion of various architectural styles, including Mughal, Persian, and Hindu influences.

3. Historical Significance:

   • Akbar I reigned from 1556 to 1605 and significantly expanded and consolidated the Mughal domains in the Indian subcontinent.
   • Under Akbar’s rule, Mughal India witnessed economic growth, cultural flourishing, and patronage of an Indo-Persian culture.
   • His courts in Delhi, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri became centers of arts, letters, and learning.

4. Design and Features:

   • The tomb follows a charbagh (walled square garden) composition, similar to his father Humayun’s tomb.
   • It features a tall sandstone-clad gate with intricate marble inlay carvings and inscriptions.
   • The main tomb structure has a central dome and four smaller domes at each corner.
   • The exterior showcases ornate designs and calligraphic inscriptions.

5. Restoration and Preservation:

   • As Viceroy of India, George Curzon directed extensive repairs and restoration of Akbar’s mausoleum in 1905.
   • The restoration aimed to preserve its beauty and historical significance.
   • Despite restoration efforts, the tomb remains a testament to Akbar’s legacy and the grandeur of Mughal architecture.

Akbar’s cenotaph lies inside the mausoleum, with the real grave traditionally believed to be below it. The tomb stands as a tribute to one of India’s most influential rulers, whose reign left an indelible mark on history.