Tourist Attraction in Agra

History of Agra

Agra is an ancient site that has been mentioned in literature and inscriptions going back to prehistoric times. It is generally accepted that Agra was both an ancient city from the times of the Mahabharata. The city is mentioned in the Mahabharata as "Agravana", which means "paradise" in Sanskrit. The modern city of Agra was founded in 1504 by "Sultan Sikandar Lodi", the Muslim ruler of the Delhi Sultanate.

Agra was the capital of the Mughal Empire during certain periods. The city reached its peak of architectural beauty under the Mughals. The Taj Mahal, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century, is considered one of the world's best examples of Mughal architecture.

Modern Agra was established in the 16th century by Sikandar Lodi of the Lodi dynasty in the Delhi Sultanate. Babur stayed here briefly and built a Char Bagh garden and water palace. Agra reached the peak of its grand beauty during the Mughals. Akbar built the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, making the region his capital.

After India gained independence, Agra became an important industrial city. With famous landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri being recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, the city grew into a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Today, the rich history of Agra, especially from the 16th and 17th centuries, can still be felt in its stunning monuments and its marketplace.