Itmad-Ud-Daulah’s tomb is another architectural marvel of Agra. This mausoleum was built by Jehangir’s queen – Noor Jahan for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The latter was titled Itmad-Ud-Daulah meaning ‘pillar of the state’ by Jehangir. Inlaid with gems, the mausoleum is also aptly known as the ‘jewel box’. None can compare to its exquisite beauty other than Taj Mahal itself. Among the sightseeing places in Agra, this one takes your breath away.

It was built in 1628; a white marble structure decorated with peitra dura inlay work and carved lattice screens. It rests on the left bank of the Yamuna, in the shade of a lush garden guarded by a wall. The surroundings are intersected by several paths and water channels. The garden is in the form of Charbagh, a style introduced by Mirza Ghiyas Beg himself.

The minarets, arches, marble screens, floral patterns and the inlay work that glorify this monument are of typical Islamic style of the time. Among the tourist places in Agra, similar work is seen in Taj Mahal. However, there are traces of other styles as well, like the canopies topping the minarets.

The tomb rests on a square base 50 metres in length and 1 metre high. Octagonal towers, 13 metres high, stand tall at the four corners of the tomb.

The white marble that make the walls were brought from Rajasthan. Precious and semi precious gems like topaz, onyx, jasper, lapis lazuli and cornelian decorate the walls. They create various dazzling patterns like cypress trees, wine jars with snake handles, fruits and flowers. The visual effect is stunning. The pietra dura work here is a slightly Indianised version of the European style. One look at this ethereal work of art and your Agra tour will be worth every penny.

Another special feature is the marble screens and the delicate carving on them. Shafts of light criss-cross into the room through jalis or the netting effect of the screens.

The Agra travel guide will inform you that it’s not just Mirza Ghiyas’ tomb that rests here. The cenotaph of Asmat Begum, Noor Jahan’s mother is also kept here.