Agra, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s most historically significant cities. It is best known for the iconic Taj Mahal, but its history spans much more. Here’s an overview of Agra’s rich past:
Ancient and Early Medieval Period
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Agra’s origins are unclear, but it is believed to have been mentioned in the Mahabharata as Agravana.
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The city gained prominence during the Sikarwar Rajputs (11th–12th centuries), who built a fort here.
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In 1080, it was first mentioned in historical records when Mahmud of Ghazni captured it.
Delhi Sultanate (13th–16th Century)
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Agra became part of the Delhi Sultanate under Sikandar Lodi (1488–1517), who made it his capital in 1504.
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After Lodi’s death, the First Battle of Panipat (1526) led to Babur (founder of the Mughal Empire) capturing Agra.
Mughal Era (1526–18th Century) – Agra’s Golden Age
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Babur developed Agra’s gardens, including the Ram Bagh (one of the oldest Mughal gardens).
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Humayun lost Agra to Sher Shah Suri but regained it later.
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Akbar (1556–1605) made Agra a major center of power, building the Agra Fort (1565–1573) and shifting his capital from Delhi to Agra.
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Jahangir (1605–1627) continued developing Agra, but his son Shah Jahan (1628–1658) gave the city its most famous monument—the Taj Mahal (1632–1653), built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
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Shah Jahan later shifted the capital to Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) in 1648, reducing Agra’s political importance.
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Aurangzeb (1658–1707) imprisoned Shah Jahan in Agra Fort, where he died in 1666.
Post-Mughal Period
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After Aurangzeb’s death, the Mughal Empire weakened, and Agra was attacked by Jats (1761), Marathas (1770), and finally the British (1803).
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The British East India Company took control after the Battle of Delhi (1803) during the Second Anglo-Maratha War.
British Colonial Rule (19th–20th Century)
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Agra became part of the North-Western Provinces and later the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh.
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The British developed Agra as an administrative and educational center, establishing institutions like St. John’s College (1850).
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In 1857, Agra was a center of the Indian Rebellion (First War of Independence) against British rule.
Post-Independence (1947–Present)
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After India’s independence in 1947, Agra became part of Uttar Pradesh.
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Today, Agra is a major tourist destination, known for the Taj Mahal (UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983), Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri (Akbar’s abandoned capital nearby).
Key Historical Monuments in Agra
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Taj Mahal (1632–1653) – A symbol of love, built by Shah Jahan.
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Agra Fort (1565–1573) – A massive red sandstone fort built by Akbar.
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Fatehpur Sikri (1571–1585) – Akbar’s short-lived capital near Agra.
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Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (1622–1628) – Called the “Baby Taj.”
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Mehtab Bagh – A Mughal garden opposite the Taj Mahal.
Agra remains a living testament to India’s Mughal grandeur and continues to attract millions of visitors every year. Would you like more details on any specific aspect of Agra’s history?
