Information on Akbar's Tomb (Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh) - History & Architecture

Sikandra is one amongst the most famous attractions which is just 10 km away from the center city of Agra. It is the Mausoleum of the great emperor, Akbar the great. The monument seems to be a combination of different styles of themes, some of which resembles the art form of the Hindus, Muslims, Jain, Christians and Buddhists etc. The name of the monument is after a famous ruler Sikandar Lodi who was the ruler of Delhi during 1488-1517.

Akbar's Tomb History

The construction of the monument began when Akbar was very much alive. Thereby, it was planned by Akbar himself to make a beautiful Mausoleum for himself so that the world remembers him in the years to come. Akbar was one of the most secular emperors of the country. Even though his forefathers did not belong to the country yet, he used to consider himself to be the son of India. The Sikandra monument brings out the personality of Akbar as a whole that is in the same way as the Taj Mahal brings out the personality of Mumtaz Mahal.

Akbar was a true planner as he also planned the site for his grave in the monument. However, the Sikandra monument was considered complete with the completion of the construction of the pyramid shaped tomb, by Akbar's son Jahangir that is in the year 1613.

Akbar's Tomb Architecture

As mentioned before the pattern of architecture resembles a blend of various art forms belonging to different religions of the country. This indeed depicts the secular personality of Akbar. The four entrance gates are in itself an architectural marvel with large striking mosaic patterns. One can truly imagine the majestic look of the monument from the entrance itself.

When you enter the gate you shall find four huge minarets rising from the monument and providing that extra edge which is also because of the red sandstone and the white marbles. In fact, the entire monument is made up of red sand stones and white marbles. And what adds on to its beauty is the colorful semi precious stones which predominates the tomb of the great emperor. This is not it, as there are colorful patterns made in parts of the monument with the help of colorful glazing tiles which will truly make you feel that it was totally worth visiting the monument. The semi precious stones embedded on the tombs of Akbar and his daughters namely, Shakrul Nisha Begum and Aram Bano will mesmerize you for sure.

Akbar's Tomb Tourism Importance

• When you visit the Sikandra you shall find many similarities of the famous Taj Mahal which was built in the years to come.
• The most striking attraction of the monument includes the gateway and the four massive minarets which are exquisitely carved and are truly an architectural marvel in every sense.
• The colorful semi precious stones embedded on the tomb and the colorful patterns of the imported glazing tiles are a vision in every sense.
• The red sand stones and the white marbles add on to the grand look of the monument.
• One of the most striking features of the monument is the portico which is present just in front of the tombs and has a collection of world famous Stucco paintings.