Akbar's Tomb: A Mughal Mausoleum

Akbar's Tomb, situated in Sikandra on the outskirts of Agra, is a significant Mughal-era monument. The tomb stands as a testament to the syncretic architectural style of the Mughals, blending Islamic, Hindu, Christian, Jain, and Buddhist design elements, reflecting Akbar's inclusive ideals. The construction of the tomb was started by Akbar himself around 1600, following a Tartary tradition of commencing one's tomb during one's lifetime. Akbar selected the site and planned the structure. However, he died in 1605, and his son Jahangir completed the construction between 1605 and 1613. The expense for the architecture was around 15 lakhs rupees.The mausoleum is built primarily of red sandstone, enriched with white marble features. The south gate is the largest, adorned with four white marble minarets, which pre-date those of the Taj Mahal. The tomb is surrounded by a walled enclosure of 105 m square. The complex is designed in the Charbagh style, with gardens divided into quadrants by watercourses, evoking the rivers of paradise. Within the gardens, you may spot animals like monkeys, peacocks and deers.During the reign of Aurangzeb, the Jats plundered the tomb, looting its valuables. Extensive restoration was carried out by the British under Lord Curzon in 1905. Today, Akbar's Tomb remains one of the best-preserved Mughal structures in India, drawing history enthusiasts from near and far.