The city of Mughlia is full of monuments in Agra, one of which is the Itmad-ud-Daulah Memorial. Because it is a white marble monument and shaped like a Taj Mahal, it is also called "Baby Taj". This monument is an incomparable example of the Mughal construction style. This monument is a protected building protected by the Archaeological Service of India. After all, Taj Mahal, you will also see these monuments after Lalkit. Because it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for many years, the city of Agra is full of architectural buildings that enhance the beauty of this place and its glory. The tomb of Mahmudullah is built with a small garden on the bank of the Yamuna River and there are many things in this mausoleum that are then used to make the most beautiful masterpiece, Taj Mahal. The Mogul emperors have embellished many fortresses and mausoleums of Agra, which make this city one of the most attractive tourist destinations in India. The Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal have gained fame throughout the world and there is a monument established in it, which could not achieve this status. That is the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah.
History
The tomb of Itimad-ud- Daulah resembles a silver jewel box in marble. Mirza Ghiyas Beg or Itimad-ud- Daulah was the lord treasurer in the court of Jahangir. It was after his daughter Nur Jahan married Jahangir that Mirza Ghiyas Beg was made the lord treasurer of Jahangir's empire. Nur Jahan had developed a coterie of men around her. She had assumed responsibility in the court. The network of loyal men helped to strengthen her position in administrative affairs. Nur Jahan took advantage of the intoxication and extravagance of the aged king and she gradually became more powerful. Mirza Ghiyas Beg played a significant role in the Nur Jahan Junta as the treasurer. Mirza Ghiyas Beg was a poor merchant who lived in Persia. He was the trusted treasurer in Akbar's court. He rose to become the chief minister during Jahangir's reign. He was given the epithet Itimad-ud-Daula, or the pillar of the state. His daughter Meherun-nisa was a peerless beauty. She later came to be known as Nur Jahan. The Mughal emperor Jahangir was enslaved by her beauty. Nur Jahan played a significant role in Jahangir's court with her father's support. When Itimad-ud-Daulah died in 1622, Nur Jahan decided to build a mausoleum in the loving memory of her father. Itimad-ud-Daulah was buried in a tomb that resembles a jewel box and set in a garden. This p4eaceful and serene garden located on the banks of the Yamuna was to be a precursor to the Taj Mahal built later extensively.
Architecture
The tomb itself is one of the best examples of architecture of the region. Said to be one of the most important influences behind the architecture of the Taj Mahal, the Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah is one of the finest examples of a specific genre of mausoleum architecture called a Tomb in a Garden.
The construction is such that the tomb resembles a jewel-box set in the midst of a garden. Tranquil and lush green, the garden where the tomb is constructed is set on the banks of the river Yamuna. Famous for being the first tomb in the entirety of India to be built entirely of white marble, the Tomb of Itimad Ud Daulah is a must see for all visitors visiting the historic city of Agra.
A perfect example of Islamic architecture, the tomb is characterized by arched entrances, octagonal shaped towers or minarets, use of exquisitely carved floral patterns, intricate marble-screen work and inlay work. However, added to this is the influence of the locality that manifests itself in the absence of a dome and the presence of a closed kiosk on top of this building as well as the use of chhatris (small}domed canopies, supported by pillars) atop the four towers (minarets) instead of proper domes, which is more reflective of the Islamic style of architecture.