The magnificent monuments, gardens, art and culture of Agra speak of its splendid past. And it all began earlier than the epic period. Ages ago, ancient texts referred to it as Aryagriha or home of the Aryans. This was the earliest mention of the city. The Mahabharata called it Agravana. Its modern name Agra was given by the famous Greek Scholar Ptolemy.

Agra is often associated with the Mughals and why not? They did leave an indelible mark of their rule here. As the Agra Travel Guide tells you, the modern city of Agra was established by Sikandar Lodhi of the Delhi Sultanate in the 16th century and was his capital.

His successor Ibrahim Lodhi was defeated in the battle of Panipat by Babur. Thus the Mughal legacy in Agra began. Agra enjoyed a position of utmost interest during the rule of the Mughals. Each successive ruler contributed in beautifying his favourite city with spectacular art and architecture. The Agra culture and cuisines still bear testimony to the Mughal influence.

Babur lived in Agra for a while. He built the Aram Bagh or Relaxation Garden, in the square Persian style.

Humayun’s influence on the city was negligible.

Under the patronage of Akbar, Agra became known for art, culture and learning. Agra history was beginning to peak. He built the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. The latter became his capital for 15 long years. Then the city was abandoned for reasons that remain a mystery.

Jahangir’s favourite home was Kashmir. Nevertheless, his love for palaces and gardens are well evident here.

Under Shah Jahan, the history of Agra reached full glory. In memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, he built a symbol of love with white marble and gemstones – the Taj Mahal. However, he made Shahjahanabad his new capital. But destiny willed otherwise. In 1658 he was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb at the Agra Fort. Agra became the capital once again.

With Aurangzeb’s death, the Mughal Empire in Agra degenerated. A number of incompetent Mughal rulers ascended the throne till the Jats and Marathas took over. Agra’s final chapter was about British rule.