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Showing posts from May, 2010

Akbar the Great: Mughal Emperor, History, Nine Gems & Legacy

Akbar the Great was one of the most influential rulers of the Mughal Empire. Born in 1542, he became emperor in 1556 and ruled until his death in 1605. During his long reign, Akbar expanded and consolidated the Mughal Empire, developed administrative and revenue systems, encouraged cultural exchange and sponsored some of the most important architectural projects of the Mughal period. For travelers exploring Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and northern India, understanding Akbar's reign provides important context for the Mughal monuments that remain today. From Agra Fort to Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's influence can still be seen in India's architecture and heritage. Who Was Akbar the Great? Akbar, whose full name was Abu'l-Fath Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar , was the third Mughal emperor. He was the son of Humayun , the second Mughal emperor, and Hamida Banu Begum . Akbar was born in 1542 at Umarkot in Sindh while his father was facing political difficulties and exile. He became ...

Taj Mahal History & Architecture: Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Mahal

Taj Mahal History & Architecture: Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Mahal and Mughal Heritage The Taj Mahal in Agra, India , is one of the world's most recognizable monuments and an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal , the monument combines white marble, geometric symmetry, gardens, stone inlay, carved decoration and Arabic calligraphy into a carefully planned architectural complex. Construction of the principal mausoleum began in the 17th century. UNESCO records the Taj Mahal as having been built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 , with additional elements of the complex completed later. The monument was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983. For international travelers, the Taj Mahal is not simply a famous photograph. It is an opportunity to see how architecture, craftsmanship, mathematics, gardens, calligraphy and Mughal artistic traditions were brought together in one extraordinary ...