Agra City
In the year 1475 A.D. Badal Singh, a Kshatrya here, had built a fort for defiance against Mohammedan invasion and called it as Badalgarh. Emperor Akbar after demolishing the Badalgarh acquired the same place for construction of his grand fort. Afterwards in 1492 A.D. Sikandar Lodi of the Lodi dynasty inhabited the city known as Sikandar which is at a distance of five miles of the present city. In 1526 A.D. Babar, the great Mughal defeated the last king of Lodi dynasty Ibraham Lodi and Agra went into the hands of the Moghals. Later on Emperor Akbar founded the present city in 1566 A.D. There after ruling 100 years it rose into prominance and developed a great deal.

The Mughals
History clarifies the position that Agra was an unimportant place before the reign of the Mughals, and it only rose into its permanent prominence during their time. All the history of Agra is well connected with the history of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Emperor Akbar founded the city but it only developed during Emperor Jhangir's reign, thereafter it reached its zenith during Shah Jehan's time but perished with Aurrangeb, the last mighty ruler of the Mughal dynasty. It is therefore necessary to know something about the Mughals before going through the royal buildings of the city of Agra.

Who was Shah Jehan ?
Shah Jehan was very much fond of building edifices, palaces and monuments. He constructed the most magnificent mausoleum for his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal. Beside this he erected many mosques and palaces at Agra for which the city is indebted to him very much. He founded Shahjehanbad, the present Delhi and constructed there many grand buildings such as Red Fort and Jama Masjid. He also shifted the capital of his empire from Agra to Delhi. On the death of the Emperor Jehangir Nur Jehan proclaimed Shaheryar the Emperor. But in 1628 A.D. Prince Khurram with the help of Mahabat Khan and his father -in law, Asaf Uddaula put Shaheryer to death and ascended throne under the title of Shah Jehan. Emperor Shah Jehan made for himself the marvelous Takhte Taus at the cost of 2 crores of rupees, which specify his glory and grandeur. The throne itself was 5 feet by 4 feet and was built of gold weighting one lakh tolas. Its upper portion was inlaid with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other valuable gems and the lower one was of gold set with topazes. On an enameled tree one wonderful peacock, adorned with bright gems was oncostructed. The throne was supported by twelve emerald colored stone and to ascend the throne a beautiful silver made staircase was prepared. It is said that this wonderful throne was carried off to Persia by Nadir Shah in 1736 and there its was melted down.

Lady of the Taj: Taj Mahal
Though Mumtaj Mahal was Shah Jahan's second wife but her femine grace, dignity of heart and wit proved so powerful that Shah Jahan's all affections were soon transferred to his new bride, their Impersonate love made them inseparable companions both in the palaces as well as in the court. Mumtaj Mahal became to Shah Jahan in a manner what Mumtaz Mahal was a devoted and loving wife. She did never like to interfere her husband in administrative and political affairs like Nur Jahan, but occasionally was glad to give their wise opinion as and when required by her husband.

The lady of the Taj beloved consort of the world renowned Emperor Shah Jehan, Arjumand Bano Begum, better known by her title Mumtaj Mahal, was born in 1592 A.D. A Persian by descent, she was the daughter of Asaf Khan, the Prime Minister of Emperor Jahangir, court and the brother of Nur Hana. During the childhood also she was very good and charming. Her father, who brought her up very affectionately, very well educated her. When youth bloomed to her then Prince Khurram liked her very much and wished to marry her. Emperor knows it and did not object to establish their loving relations. She was married to him and the Emperor himself gave her the title of Mumtaz Mahal exalted of the Palaces.
In 1631 A.D. the second year of his accession, he had to go to Decan in order to check rebels of Khan Jahan Lodi Empress Mumtaz Mahal also accompanied him in the campaign. At that time she gave birth to a daughter and unfortunately, due to some disorder in the system, she looked despairingly, at her lord. At this, the Emperor was shocked too much. His heart was sunk with grief and face grew pale. Seeing such a fearful condition of the Emperor, the beloved Empress was also much grieved and took his hands into her own hands. The emperor weepingly said to the Empress, "How can I show the world that I really love you, Mumtaz !" On it she requested him to take good care of her children and not to marry again after her death. She further impressed upon with a humble request co commemorates her memory by constructing an unique tomb. The Emperor in deep sorrow agreed to what was requested by his dear wife. Alas ! on the day of 17 June, 1631, Mumtaz closed her eyes at a shortage of 39 before her broken-hearted lover.

After the death of Empress Mumtaz Mahal for several days the whole empire went into mourning. All of a sudden, the sand news spread all over the country. Shahjahan was so much grieved that his mind was upset, he was even prepared to give up his throne and wished to die which he, of course, could not do. For several weeks he did not appear at the Jarokha to conduct state business. For days he could not meet the court bobbles even. For complete 2 years he abstained from all kinds of pleasures and amusements. On festivals and functions at the memory of the deceased queen, he used to seep bitterly. In a short time his hair became grey and he was too weak. Whenever he entered the queen's a0partment, tears came out of his eyes.

Symbol of immortal Love: Taj Mahal
A number of designers were asked for from the great artists of the world. The historians differ with each other with regard to the original design of the Taj. The European Historian are Bordeaux an artist of France planned the Taj while the Indian penmen produced their view condemning the Europeans. They write that a foes artist of Shirraj had planned a design of the tomb for his own beloved whom he loved deeply. By chance he met with the Emperor who liked the design very much and appointed him as designer and architect for the construction of his consorts Mausoleum, anyhow in 1632 A.D. a wonder model was prepared and passed by the Emperor before the original tomb was tarred. Taj Mahal the glory of Agra is well renowned in the country as well as in the World and it became as world's master piece for tourists from the world. The matchless, peerless, and gracious edifice stands on the right bank of river Jamuna at a distance of mile and half from Agra City.