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Agra

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Agra is a major city located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It sits on the banks of the Yamuna river. The city is about 330 km west of Lucknow. It is also south-east of Delhi, the national capital. Agra is part of the Braj region. With roughly 1.6 million people, it is the fourth-most populous city in Uttar Pradesh. It is also the twenty-third most populous city in India.

1911 Map of Agra Uttar Pradesh India
1911 Map of Agra Uttar Pradesh India

The name Agra has several possible origins. One popular theory links it to the Hindi word "agar," meaning salt pan. This refers to the region's brackish soil. In this area, salt was once produced through evaporation. Another theory comes from Hindu mythology. It suggests the name comes from the Sanskrit word "agra," meaning "front." This might refer to the first of many small forests where Krishna played. During the Mughal era, the city was also called Akbarabad. This name was created by Emperor Shah Jahan to honor his grandfather, Akbar.

Agra has two distinct historical identities. The first is the ancient city on the east bank of the Yamuna. This area is linked to the legends of Krishna and the Mahabharata. The second is the modern city on the right bank. This modern city was founded by Akbar in 1558. Before the Mughals, the area was a village or a small town. Sultan Sikandar Lodi rebuilt Agra as a seat of government around 1504. He chose a site on the left bank of the river. He even built a red sandstone structure in the suburb of Sikandra.

Mariam's Tomb, Sikandra, Agra
Mariam's Tomb, Sikandra, Agra

The Mughal Empire brought a golden age to the city. Agra served as the capital for several great emperors. These leaders included Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Babur acquired Agra after the First Battle of Panipat in 1526. He laid out the first formal Mughal garden in India, called the Aram Bagh. This garden is a type of "Charbagh," or a four-part garden.

Town and port at agra
Town and port at agra

Under the Mughals, Agra became a center for learning, arts, and commerce. Emperor Akbar built the massive ramparts of the Agra Fort. He also built the new capital of Fatehpur Sikri nearby. His successor, Jahangir, had a great love for flora and fauna. He built many gardens inside the Red Fort. He also completed the tomb of Akbar at Sikandra.

Sikandra 066
Sikandra 066

Shah Jahan raised the city to its highest point of glory. He was a great patron of architecture. He commissioned the Taj Mahal between 1632 and 1648. He built this monument in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

I'timād-ud-Daulah, Agra
I'timād-ud-Daulah, Agra

As the Mughal Empire declined, control of Agra changed many times. In the late 18th century, the Jats conquered the city. They held it until 1774. Later, the Marathas took control in 1785. By 1803, the British East India Company had taken the city. Agra was even the capital of the North-Western Province for a time. The city saw intense conflict during the Indian rebellion of 1857. Many people fled to the Agra Fort for safety during the fighting.

Agra, Main Street, c.1858
Agra, Main Street, c.1858

Today, Agra is a vital industrial and tourist hub. It is famous for manufacturing footwear and leather goods. The Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is part of the Golden Triangle tourist circuit. This circuit connects Agra with Delhi and Jaipur. It is also part of the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc. Visitors enjoy the famous Mughlai cuisine. The climate features hot, dry summers and mild winters.

Petha-from-Agra
Petha-from-Agra
Agra Cant railway station
Agra Cant railway station
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🖼️ Images & Media (16)
File:Mariam's Tomb, Sikandra, Agra.JPG
Mariam's Tomb, Sikandra, Agra.JPG
File:Town and port at agra.jpg
Town and port at agra.jpg
File:Agra, Main Street, c.1858.jpg
Agra, Main Street, c.1858.jpg
File:1911 Map of Agra Uttar Pradesh India.jpg
1911 Map of Agra Uttar Pradesh India.jpg
File:Agra (Baedeker, 1914).jpg
Agra (Baedeker, 1914).jpg
File:I'timād-ud-Daulah, Agra.jpg
I'timād-ud-Daulah, Agra.jpg
File:Sikandra 066.JPG
Sikandra 066.JPG
File:Petha-from-Agra.JPG
Petha-from-Agra.JPG
File:Agra Cant railway station.jpg
Agra Cant railway station.jpg
File:Railway Map, Agra.jpg
Railway Map, Agra.jpg
File:AGRA-agra railway station BY Fateh.RawKEy.jpg
AGRA-agra railway station BY Fateh.RawKEy.jpg
File:Agra-Inner-Ring-Road02 (32944081270).jpg
Agra-Inner-Ring-Road02 (32944081270).jpg

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