Agra – A city of Colour, Aroma and full of Lively spirit

Agra, a land of extraordinary and magnificent Mughal’s architecture and framework, home to the UNESCO heritage sites and one of the seven wonders of the world which continue to amaze tourist till now and no wonder the genesis of a renowned town Fatehpur Sikri. Every corner of this city narrates the tales of the history.

Taj Mahal for travellers around the world it is the most prominent destination in Agra, an immense mausoleum of white marble that is adjudged as an epitome of love and romance. But with this magical site, the city has other two UNESCO world heritage sites that too will take you to another level of astonishment. One is Agra Fort, that is a residence of the Mughal emperors, and the other is the city itself founded by the emperor Akbar -Fatehpur Sikri.

This place is the perfect amalgamation of multiple cultures that have been the part of this sub-continent. Tourist can revel in the city of splendour architecture, history fanatics and explorers are drawn towards this city, literature buffs, and solo travellers, cannot resist falling in love within the hassle streets that still finds its way to touch their soul.

Heartwarming gestures of localities, succulent and scrumptious street food, atavistic shopping bazaars makes the Agra- A city of colour, aroma and full of lively spirit.

History

The charm of this historical city has remained unsullied, since the Vedic age. In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, it was referred to as ‘Agraban’ (in Sanskrit it means Forest) or ‘Arya Griha’, which means the abode of Aryans. Later, the Greek Philosopher, traveller, and writer have given this city the name of ‘Agravan’. Over the centuries Agra has been ruled by legions of the dynasty. A 16th century Delhi Sultanate Sikandar Lodhi was a face as an originator of a city Agra, under him the city grew and flourished progressively as a human settlement. Situated on the bank of Yamuna river, agriculture gained its importance as a primary activity. But the hold of Lodhi dynasty soon came to an end, when it suffered a defeat against the first ruler of India, Babar.

Agra under the Mughals: As Babar was the first and foremost monarch, to leave his imprint on this city, he introduced the square Persian-styled gardens, which was later incorporated as the concept of typical Mughal architecture. The Mughals has really blossomed the city under their reign, especially by Akbar the town has got its new splendour architecture and colonies. Akbar who ruled Agra for more than four decades and during that time-period he built the majestic Agra Fort and established a new city, Fatehpur Sikri, a few kilometres ahead of Agra. Fatehpur Sikri got demolished under some bizarre circumstances, but it was prominent as the administrative capital of Akbar for fifteen years long. It was claimed that Agra was also stated as the city of Akbarabad during those days.

The historical journey of Agra has witnessed the crucial changes with times, lots of things have been added or destroyed during the Mughal Dynasty. After Akbar’s death in 1605, his progeny Jahangir continued to flourish the Mughal architecture and the beautification of Agra, the tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah was added to the list of remarkable structures with that he added halls to the spectacular Agra Fort and resurrected the verdant gardens following the lineage of Persian lines as same as it was forge by his ancestors.

Shahjahan predecessor of Jahangir has gifted the landmark to the city of Agra, an impeccable white marble mausoleum of his beloved wife Mumtaz, is now well renowned as the world heritage site. Taj Mahal was built in the memory of his second wife Arjumand Banu Begum (Mumtaz), has become the epitome of love to the world. Though Shahjahan had to shift his capital to Shahjahanabad ( present-day old Delhi), and in 1658 he was imprisoned by his own son Aurangzeb in Agra Fort. Aurangzeb moved the Mughal capital back to Agra but with that, the era of Mughal was also doomed, and he was remembered as the last ruled Mughal emperor in the history of Agra.

Over some time, there was the emergence of petty kingdoms such as Jats, Marathas which didn’t last for a long time in Agra and lastly, the Britishers took over the city.

British Colonies: Britishers arrived in the early 1800’s and declared Agra as the presidency city in North India, but the significance of royal city was lost on the same hand.

After the Independence, Agra gradually turned into the Industrial town, but the lost essence is revived inside the narrow streets of Agra, the sagas of iconic dynasties and battles are preserved in the history. Though there are no more princely rulers, but the ethos of Mughal cuisine is still served in the local markets.

Culture

Agra is derived from the city’s ancient name mentioned in the Hindu epic Mahabharata, “ Agrevana” – border of the forest. Agra has a blend of cultures from the past, from Rajputs till Mughals then Britishers, and that’s how this city contributes its role in the diversity of Indian Culture. Centuries passed, and this city has been the constant endower of art, craft, music, literature, poetry, and architecture to the nation and that attracts the thousands of travellers every year to the city. The essence of Mughals is still present in Agra through its food, clothing, customs, mainly in a whole lifestyle. The major dialects of Agra are both Hindi and Urdu with its mother tongue Braj Bhasha.

People of Agra: For centuries Agra has been ruled for Mughal Dynasty, but at the same time, it is rated as a highest Hindu population. Apparently, the second largest population is of Muslim community completes this medley with Christianity, Buddhism and Jainism. This city is a symbol of emancipation and oneness, through its diversity in cultures that have faith in living the harmonious life.

Attire of Agra-wasis: Agra-wasis are very well known as the lively people, their spirit of enjoying life to the fullest is easily shown in their acceptance of both the traditional as well as the modern clothing. Earlier, women of this city, are spotted in saree, salwar kameez as there daily wear clothes, and similarly, men wear dhoti kurta or kurta pyjamas. But the with the adaption of urban lifestyle, this city is becoming more cosmopolitan, as gradually people opt wearing western wears too. But still, for festivals and occasions, people prefer carrying their Traditional’s , Sherwani’s, and Lehengas.