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Contents

 

  1. History
  2. Getting Around
  3. Tourist Traps
  4. Local Customs
  5. Shopping
  6. Communications

Agra, the land of the Mughals, holds a special place in the hearts of seasoned travelers and first-time visitors alike. Nestled on the fertile banks of River Yamuna, this city drew the attention of the mighty Mughals, who made it their capital and left a legacy of stunning architecture that millions throng to see till today. The many monuments and ruins and the bustling everyday life of Agra, gives visitors a vivid glimpse in to the grandeur and history of the Mughal dynasty. Though best known for the Taj Mahal, Agra is home to many other stunning structures like the majestic Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra, many of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

History

Agra is a medieval city, whose most glorious chapter was possible scripted during the Mughal rule. But the Mughals were not the first to make this city their capital. Settled on the banks of the River Yamuna, close to the western edge of India’s great northern plains, Agra was founded in 1504 by Sultan Sikandar Lodi. The control of Agra remained with the Lodis till 1526, when Ibrahim Lodi fell to Babur in the First Battle of Panipat.

In 1556, Hemu Vikramaditya also known as Hem Chander Vikramaditya won Agra by defeating the prime minister and army chief Adil Shah. In fact, folk lore says Adil Shah was so scared of facing Vikramaditya that he abandoned the city without a fight, who went on to win Delhi and re-establish a Hindu kingdom in the north.

The golden age of Agra’s history started with the return of the Mughals. Known as Akbarabad, it was the capital during the reigns of emperors Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jahan.

The Mughal rule of Agra was a period of rich building activity. The first true paradise-design Persian garden of the city, Aram Bagh was made under Babur’s rule. His grandson, Akbar added towering ramparts to the mighty Red Fort. Under Akbar’s rule, the city also grew as a center of art, music, literature, commerce, philosophy, and religion. Akbar also built a new capital, Fatehpur Sikri outside the old city of Akbarabad, but it was never inhabited.

Jehangir’s contribution to the city can be seen through the many gardens that came up during his reign. However, it was Shah Jahan who built Agra’s most prized monument, the Taj Mahal. This beautiful, white marble mausoleum was built in loving memory of Shah Jahan’s more beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal in 1653. Shah Jahan later moved the capital to Shahjahanabad, one of the seven ancient cities of Delhi in 1649.

Aurangzeb moved the seat of the Mughal empire back to Agra and then on to the Deccan in 1653. During the later years of the Mughal rule, the city was mostly controlled by assorted Maratha and Jat kingdoms. That is till 803, when its control went to the British.

As was their practice in India, the British created the Presidency of Agra in 1835. The next few years were very rough for the city, with the first famine in its history dated to 1837-38. A British garrison town, Agra featured prominently in the peasant revolt of 1857. When the revolt was finally suppressed by the British, Agra was the site of the rebel’s last stand.

More renowned for monuments made during the Mughal rule, Agra has a colored Colonial history as well. Being a prominent center on the River Yamuna, Agra always had contacts and vibrant trade and commerce links with Europe. Well before the British settled here, Agra hosted such European travels as Dutch mathematician and friar, Henry Uwens and the English Diplomat and Scholar Thomas Roe. In fact, the first Christian graves in Agra date back to 550 ad the city’s oldest church dates back to 1772.

After the revolt of 1857, Agra remained under British rule till India won its independence in 1947.

By 3rd July, the British were forced to withdraw into the fort. Two days later a small British force at Sucheta was defeated and forced to withdraw; this led to a mob sacking the city. However, the rebels moved onto Delhi, which allowed the British to restore order in Agra by the 8th of July. Delhi fell to the British in September and the following month, rebels who had fled Delhi along with rebels from Central India marched on to Agra only to be defeated by the British troops in Agra. With British Rule secured over the city again, Agra remained in British hands till India’s independence in 1947.

Getting Around

Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are easily available from almost all parts of the city. Horse carts or tongas are also available. It is advisable to take the pre-paid auto rickshaws or negotiate and agree the fares with the drivers in advance. Air-conditioned cars can also be hired from travel agencies for full- or half-day sightseeing.

One can also take the public buses run by the state transport corporation. These buses ply on several routes and cover most tourist attractions.

Tourist Traps in the City

Agra is swarming with touts and self-made guides offering tours of Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and other major tourist attractions. First time visitors to the city should handle all unsolicited requests from guides, hotels booking agents, shopkeepers, or taxi drivers with a firm no. Be especially wary of ‘art experts’ who offer to show you local artisans at work. While such a demonstration would be interesting, most are followed by aggressive requests for sale. Again, a firm ‘no’ will work.

If you are touring the city on an auto rickshaw, be alert and avoid shops that your driver recommends, as many such shops offer goods at several times the actual price.

Local Custom

While at Agra, tourists are expected to respect the local customs that include dress restrictions. While visiting Taj Mahal and other religious shrines, visitors are expected to wear clothing that covers their upper arms and legs – this is especially applicable for women. Footwear is to be taken off outside before entering places of worship.

Shopping

As the city of the Taj Mahal, Agra is filled with memorabilia and souvenirs that try to replicate the marble and inlay work of this monument. One can easily get their own Taj Mahal and choose from a wide range of finely crafted jewelry, carpets, and leather goods as well.

One very popular shopping spot, where tourists can buy local artifacts is Shilphaat. This unique craft bazaar serves as a common platform for hundreds of artisans involved in preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and showcasing it to the world outside. Located about 750 meters away from Taj Mahal’s Eastern Gate, a visit to Shilphaat can easily be combined with the trip to see the main monument itself.

Communications

While in Agra, keep in touch with the outside world through cell phones, Internet access, or the wired phone services.

Wired Phone Services: Wired phone services are provided in the city by the state-owned telecom provider BSNL and the leading private telecom company Aitel.

Cell Phone: GSM services in Agra are provided by BSNL, Airtel and Vodafone, while CDMA service providers include Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices.

Internet Access: The majority of the hotels (with the exception of budget hotels) offer Internet connectivity within their premises. Most markets in Agra are also dotted with cyber cafes, ‘Sifi iways’ and ‘Reliance World’ outlets offering high-speed broadband Internet connections at reasonable prices.

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