Agra
has found its mention in the famous Hindu epic Mahabharat as the forest
of Agraban close to Mathura. Badal Singh founded the city in 1475.
Sikandar Lodhi made Agra his capital city. Later, Babur defeated the
Lodhis to capture the city situated on the banks of River Yamuna and
thus, the long association of Mughals with Agra started. The Mughal love
of architecture translated into beautiful monuments such as Taj Mahal,
Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra. The glory of Agra was at its
peak during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Akbar made it
the center of art, culture, commerce and learning and Shah Jahan saw it
in full bloom. In fact, it is said that it was Akbar who laid the
foundation of the modern city that we see now in 1558 and was known as
Akbarabad. Most of the buildings belong to the period between mid-16th
century and 17th century and were of high quality. These monuments were
built in the contemporary Mughal style. Mughlai cuisine and the skilled
craftsmen can still be seen in the narrow lanes of the city as a
reminiscent of the lost times.History of Agra city is quite eventful. Explore
more on the history and origin of Agra city, India.
History of Agra
Agra
has found its mention in the famous Hindu epic Mahabharat as the forest
of Agraban close to Mathura. Badal Singh founded the city in 1475.
Sikandar Lodhi made Agra his capital city. Later, Babur defeated the
Lodhis to capture the city situated on the banks of River Yamuna and
thus, the long association of Mughals with Agra started. The Mughal love
of architecture translated into beautiful monuments such as Taj Mahal,
Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra. The glory of Agra was at its
peak during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. Akbar made it
the center of art, culture, commerce and learning and Shah Jahan saw it
in full bloom. In fact, it is said that it was Akbar who laid the
foundation of the modern city that we see now in 1558 and was known as
Akbarabad. Most of the buildings belong to the period between mid-16th
century and 17th century and were of high quality. These monuments were
built in the contemporary Mughal style. Mughlai cuisine and the skilled
craftsmen can still be seen in the narrow lanes of the city as a
reminiscent of the lost times.