| Like New Delhi, Agra lies on the bank of Yamuna River,
worldly known as the City of Taj. Agra's history seems to be mingled
with the legend; the city was first referred to in the epic of
Mahabharata as Agravana. While in the recorded modern history
of Agra, the city was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi Dynasty) in the
16th century. For certain periods, Agra gained its status as the
capital of India; especially during the Mughal period, it was endowed
with numerous splendid heritages of Mughal majesty as seen until these
days in the form of palaces and monuments. The zenith of Agra as the
capital and culturally prosperous city of the Mughal Empire can credit
to Emperor Shahjahan whose romance became the love legend that has
fascinated visitors from all over the world; it was he who the Taj
Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. This marvelous memorial
became the masterpiece of Mughal architecture among others as seen
around the city.
In later years of Shahjahan's rule, the capital was transferred
again to Delhi. However, after dethroned in 1658 by his son, Aurangzeb,
Agra rose once again as the capital. After the death of Aurangzeb, the
Mughal Empire faced its way down. The post-Mughal era of Agra saw the
rule of the Jats, Marathas, and finally the British taking the city.
Agra today is comprised in the famous tour circuit of the Golden
Triangle which includes Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. Apart form the world
famous Taj Mahal, there are many other legacies from different periods
of Indian majesty waiting for you to explore.
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