Mariam Uz Zamani

Mariam Uz Zamani

The Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani is the mausoleum of Mariam-uz-Zamani, the Queen consort of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.The tomb was built by Jahangir, in memory of his mother Mariam-uz-Zamani. The tomb is located in Sikandra, a suburb of Agra.

The red sandstone facade and panels with a variety of decorative designs, such as floral patterns, tell a lot about the former splendor of this tomb. There are chevron patterns in the nook shafts, wine-vases within sunk niches and geometrical floral designs gracing the piers between the arches. The chhatris have beautiful carved columns with hexagonal bases. The stone brackets occupy the spaces just below the chajja, while beautifully carved friezes are above it. And white marble is inlaid underneath the dome. The friezes of the chhaparkhats were originally covered with glazed tiles and have pyramidal roof. Traces of floral paintings can still be seen in the corners that tells about the former beauty of the tomb.

The Panch Mahal

The Panch Mahal

The Panch Mahal is a rectangular colonnaded structure open on all sides and built from local red sandstone. It is positioned to act as a "transition" building between the semi-public spaces that surround the Daulat Khana courtyard and the more private spaces of the Royal Harem. Its function is unknown: some assumptions hold that it served as a pleasure resort for the Emperor or that it was used exclusively by the ladies and children of the court. For others, its interconnection with the imperial apartments (the Khwabgah complex) as well as the relation of the building’s main façade to the public court and its eastern orientation suggest that it might have been used for the Emperor’s daily ritual of Jharokha-Darsana, where Akbar displayed himself to the public assembled in the Pachisi court to worship him and receive his blessings.

As its name implies, the building is comprised of five levels, with the ground floor measuring 22.05 meters north–south by 17.65 meters east–west, and the upper floors decreasing in their horizontal dimensions as they rise, forming an asymmetrical pyramid stacked over the southeast corner. The final, fifth level is a domed chhatri. The total height of the structure equals the total length of its ground floor; however, the building appears vertically dominant, perhaps due to its being raised on a plinth approximately .75 meters above the level of the public court. With the exception of the chhatri dome, the building is a trabeated structure. On the east elevation, double and quadruple series of columns facilitate the transfer of load. The emphasis is visual as well as structural: the east elevation is the building’s principal elevation, overlooking the Pachisi Court.
The Panch Mahal has many entrances: it can be entered on the ground floor via a door from the courtyard of the Sonahra Makan to the south, via a small private entrance in the direction of the building with a central column, via a private entrance at its southeast corner to the Mahal-i Khass, and through an L-shaped passageway. One branch of this passageway connects the Panch Mahal with the Khwabgah; the other runs along the south side of the building and accesses the garden behind it. A staircase at the building’s southwest corner connects the ground level with the first floor terrace. A modern staircase, also on the southwest corner, leads to the upper floors.
The ground floor is laid out in 8 aisles running east-west and 6 running north-south, with a total of 84 columns. Given Akbar’s syncretic approach, it may not be coincidence that the number 84 is regarded as highly auspicious by Hindus. Double columns appear in the outer row along the east elevation; they are also used in the interior rows that align (in plan) with the location of the upper floor. The ground-floor columns are octagonal in section, with the exception of four circular ones. Originally, stone screens were installed between the columns to form a series of small cubicles. Two fragments of these screens are still extant, one near the private entrance and the other at the northeast corner. Evidence of others is still visible in the form of markings on the floor pavement. Several ceiling bays are roughly decorated (white upon a red ground) and many of the stone beams carrying the first floor are carved. The ground floor has a carved jaali balustrade, and no projecting chhajja.

The first floor above ground level is 6 aisles deep east-west and 4 aisles deep north-south, with a total of 56 columns. On this floor the external columns are doubled not only along the east elevation, but along the west and north as well. The corner columns form four-fold arrangements: the columns are round and each one of them bears a unique design. This floor is the most ornate and details in its carvings. A deep chhajja projects from the ceiling of the first floor outwards.
The second floor above ground continues to recede to the southeast, with 4 aisles east-west and 2 aisles north-south. As with the first floor, it has double columns on the eastern external side and a projecting chhajja with a carved frieze. The third floor contains 12 columns, doubled and bracketed along the exteriors. Instead of a projecting chhajja, it has a characteristic jaali balustrade. On its fourth floor above ground, the building is crowned by a square chhatri with a cupola roof. The pavilion is aligned with the second and third rows of columns of the floors below.
The Panch Mahal underwent a series of restorations between 1869-1927, interventions which significantly altered its appearance. No exact records were kept, but it is possible that the stone jaali screens that once divided the ground floor into cubicles, as well as the screens that fit between the columns on the upper floors, were removed at this time. The Panj Mahal may have been conceived of as a version of the Persian bagdir, or wind tower, intended to mediate the high temperatures of the Agra plains.

Subhash Bazaar

Subhash Bazaar

Subhash Bazaar is another popular market of Agra which is situated in  Halwai Gali near the northern edge of Jama Masjid nearby the Agra Fort.

Best Known For
One is likely to find a wide variety of products out of which silk products and silk saris are the most famous ones. 

Tips
With the right negotiating skills, one is likely to find some good quality products at reasonable price.

Timings
11 AM to 9 PM, Tuesday closed

MUSAMMAN BURJ (AGRA FORT)

MUSAMMAN BURJ (AGRA FORT)

Musamman Burj also known as the Saman Burj or the Shah-burj, is an octagonal tower standing close to the Shah Jahan's private hall Diwan-e-Khas in Agra Fort
History
Musamman Burj was built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is said that at first a small marble palace built by Akbar was situated at this site, which was later demolished by Jehangir to erect new buildings. Shah Jahan in his turn chose this site to erect the multi-storied marble tower inlaid with precious stones for Mumtaz Mahal. It was built between 1631–40 and offers exotic views of the famous Taj Mahal.
Architecture
The Musamman Burj is made of delicate marble lattices with ornamental niches so that the ladies of the court could gaze out unseen. The decoration of the walls is pietra dura. The chamber has a marble dome on top and is surrounded by a verandah with a beautiful carved fountain in the center.
The tower looks out over the River Yamuna and is traditionally considered to have one of the most poignant views of the Taj Mahal. It is here that Shah Jahan along with his favorite daughter Jahanara Begum had spent his last few years as a captive of his son Aurangzeb. He lay here on his death bed while gazing at the Taj Mahal in Agra. Architecture The Musamman Burj is made of delicate marble lattices with ornamental niches so that the ladies of the court could gaze out unseen. The decoration of the walls is pietra dura. The chamber has a marble dome on top and is surrounded by a verandah with a beautiful carved fountain in the center. The tower looks out over the River Yamuna and is traditionally considered to have one of the most poignant views of the Taj Mahal. It is here that Shah Jahan along with his favorite daughter Jahanara Begum had spent his last few years as a captive of his son Aurangzeb. He lay here on his death bed while gazing at the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Mother Teresa's Missionaries Of Charity

             Mother Teresa's Missionaries Of Charity, 

Agra Overview

"There are no great things, only small things with great love" - Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa is a woman beyond description, beyond words and beyond introduction. An Albanian by birth, she had been brought up by a single mother. On a yearly trip to the chapel of the Madonna of Letnice, she knew what her calling in life was, and that?s when she decided she wanted nothing from the world but to provide peace and solace to those who were suffering. She moved to India in 1929; by 1931 she had taken her vows, and by the end of 1950, she had set up her first Missionaries of Charity. It was an honest effort to serve ?the hungry, the homeless, the naked, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared? and basically anyone and everyone who was in need of comfort or care.

At the time of her death in 1997, the Missionaries of Charity was operating in 123 countries on over 610 missions which included providing hospices to the homeless/ the ones diagnosed with AIDS/HIV or leprosy, in addition to operating several orphanages and schools and charity homes for the orphans and the elderly. One of these charity homes is based in Agra and goes by its staple name- Mother Teresa?s Missionaries of Charity. It works for the upbringing, well- being and education of the orphaned kids in addition to caring for the elderly and the homeless.

We recommend you to stop by at the Missionaries centre for an hour or so, to pay respect to the commendable effort taken up by Mother Teresa and the ?mothers? who selflessly follow her. Spend some time with the unprivileged, share some smiles, and realise your many privileges. Take a tour of the premises and observe the unconditional love and nurturing that the nuns share with the kids and the elderly. If possible, leave a small donation and help make a huge difference for the good work to continue. If nothing, we promise you peace and extreme thankfulness, on your return.

Basic Structure of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity

The centre has been divided into three chambers. They have a reserved section each for old men and women. The nuns care for them in all their capacity, not only providing them with food, shelter, clothing but also with words of comfort at all times. They are made to feel at home and are tended with extreme care and love. The next section is reserved for the kids. Besides providing the much love, care and understanding the young ones need for healthy growth and lifestyle, the non - government institution aims at giving parental love and motivation to the abandoned children to overcome apathy and grow up to be strong individuals. The foundation not only facilitates free education, healthcare, clothing, and shelter but also assists children to pursue quality education at higher levels. In order to inculcate moral values and compassion in the young minds and to promote peace, the nuns conduct daily spiritual sessions and personality development classes to inculcate the feeling of amity and familial fellowship. Any amount of appreciation is little for this noble work.

City Shopping

             City Shopping, Agra Overview

Agra is primarily known for its monuments, forts, palaces and mausoleums, but, hidden behind these architectural wonders are the traditional shopping centres and bazaars. It is home to some of the finest handicraft and artefacts markets. The shopping scene in Agra is buzzing with markets, department stores, retail outlets and local bazaars.
Agra is home to many people like the artisans, jewellers, embroiders, carpet makers and weavers who come here to showcase their precious talent. Agra is one of the largest markets for embroidery and textiles. Most of the major shopping complexes are situated near the Taj Mahal, the most famous ones being Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road.

If you want to buy ethnic clothing, footwear and accessories, you need to head out to the Sadar Bazaar. The Kinari Bazaar is home to a wide choice of handicrafts, along with marble, glassware, rugs, leather and textiles. Apart from offering exquisite items, these bazaars are also reasonable providing umpteen opportunity to practice your bargaining skills. If shopping is on your mind, then Agra won't leave you disappointed!

Wildlife SOS, Agra

             Wildlife SOS, Agra Overview

Established in 1995, Wildlife SOS is a laudatory initiative started by a group of individuals to work in the direction of protecting and conserving wildlife, maintaining quality habitats, and safeguarding rich biodiversity. Focusing on creating sustainable livelihood measures, the movement makes elaborate efforts to protect the depleting environment. From the majestic elephants to terrific tigers, sloth bears to other endangered animals, this is a commendable manoeuvre to help save the jeopardising planet by educating people about the hazards of animal captivity, poaching effects and reptile hunting etc., and make a difference. The organisation works tirelessly to rescue wildlife in distress, work against animal cruelty and collaborates with different communities to educate them about conserving and preserving the rich wildlife.
Wildlife SOS is most popularly known for their applaudable work of saving around 600 ?dancing bears? from the tribal people. Not until long ago and sometimes even now, the tribals trap bears and train them to dance for the people as a mode of street entertainment, in return for few bucks. While the process is all about animal abuse, the bears also go through a lot through the tough training in order to be tamed. Wildlife SOS is an initiative to save the poor creatures from the clutches of this brutality. The rescued bears are treated with great care at their rehabilitation centres and are put in an artificially modified natural habitat. In addition to this, Wildlife SOS also has several other active projects on leopards, reptiles and environmental conservation in general.