Agra is well known all over the world and is visited by averagely one
million people a year, because this is the place where is located the
fabulous Taj Mahal. Other notable historic buildings are Akbar's fort, the
Pearl Mosque, and the Great Mosque. The city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh state,
is on the Yamuna River. An important rail and air junction, commercial
center, and a district administrative headquarters, it is noted for shoes,
glass products, handicrafts, carpets, and historic architecture.
Taj Mahal, Agra
Built with immaculate white marble, the structure of Taj Mahal is very
symmetric. The construction of this marble masterpiece is credited to the
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who erected this mausoleum in memory of his
beloved wife Arjumand Bano Begum; known as Mumtaz Mahal.
People & Lifestyle
Racially, Uttar Pradesh was the homeland of the Aryans but there have since
been a number of combination patterns. The city of Agra has cosmopolitan
population that includes a large number of Bengalis, Khattris from west
Pakistan, Andhras, Tamilians and others. To most visitors Agra is synonymous
with the legendry Taj Mahal. Yet the Taj Mahal is not Agra. The city
encompasses more life and passion than what is symbolized merely by the
awesome mausoleum to love and beauty. More of the city's exquisite charm
lies in its blend of a grand past and a lively present.
Handicrafts
Agra is famous for its exquisite marble inlay work and this craftsmanship
is executed on trinkets and cigarette boxes, capturing the special beauty of
the image of the Taj Mahal and Itimad-ud-Daula Mausoleum. An important local
craft is a special type of coloured embroidery fashioned on dark velvet with
gold or silver thread. Like lace-work, it is ideal for handbags and caps so
popular with Muslim men which glimmer occasionally with semiprecious stones.
The city is also renowned for its carpets.