Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb

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Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb in Agra is based on white marble and pietra dura insert, most elegantly realized in the Tāj Mahal. Built during 1622 and 1628, this architect represents a transition between the first phase of monumental Mughal architecture - first and foremost built from red sandstone with marble decorations, as in Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and Akbar's tomb in Sikandra - to its second phase Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb Agra India is often regarded as a"draft" of the Taj Mahal. Due to the similarity of architect, this site is described as 'jewel box' and sometimes also called as the Baby Taj.

Along with the main building, the structure consists of numerous outbuildings and gardens. The Agra Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb was specially made by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who had been awarded the title of Itimâd-ud-Daulâ (leader of the state). Mirza Ghiyas Beg is also the grandfather of Mumtaz (originally named Arjumand Bano, daughter of Asaf Khan), the wife of the ruler Shah Jahan, accountable for the structure of building of the Taj Mahal.

Situated on the left bank of the Yamuna River, the burial chamber is set in a large cruciform garden criss-crossed by water courses and footpaths. The tomb itself is set on a base about 50 meters square and about 1 meter high. The tomb is about 23 meters square. On each corner are hexagonal towers, about 13 meters tall. The walls are made of white marble brought from Rajasthan encrusted with semi-precious stone decorations - cornelian, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx, and topaz in images of cypress trees and wine bottles, or more elaborate decorations like cut fruit or vases containing bouquets. Taj Mahal is only one and a half kilometers away from this place. Itmad-ud-Daula's Tomb marks a significant departure from the tombs of the Mughal reign built before its construction.