Location
: 4 Kms from Agra (Uttar Pradesh).
Named After : Sikander Lodhi
Significance : Akbar's Mausoleum
Completed By : Jahangir
From Agra : 10 Km
Four
kilometers from Agra is the mausoleum of Akbar.
Construction of this beautiful monument was started by
Akbar himself. This structure is a perfect blend of
Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. But
Akbar died before his mausoleum could be completed and
his son Jahangir completed it.
Jahangir made many modifications in the original plan of
the building. The structure gives an excellent idea as
to how the Mughal art was developing. From the Humayun's
tomb in Delhi to Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra finally to the
Taj Mahal.
Sikandra is named after Sikander Lodhi. The tomb has
three-storey-minarets on its four corners. These
minarets are built in red sandstone with stunning inlay
work of marble. The mausoleum is surrounded by a beautiful garden.
The Baradi palace in the garden was built by Sikander
Lodhi. On the road from Sikandra to Agra are several
tombs and two 'Kos Minars' or mile stones.
The Mausoleum
A broad paved causeway leads to the tomb, which has
five storeys and is in the shape of a truncated pyramid.
The main tomb has a unique square design which is
unparalleled by all other Mughal buildings.
Ground Floor
The ground floor has spacious cloisters on all the four
sides except in the middle of the southern side. The
cloisters are divided by the numerous bays by massive
piers and arches. Each bay measures 22 feet square. A
vestibule, which has been ornamented very profusely with
exquisite carvings, occupies the centre of the southern
side, artistic paintings and inlay work in geometric and
floral designs. The tombstone of Akbar is placed in the
middle of this room. Akbar's daughters, Shakrul Nisha
Begum and Aram Bano are also entombed on this floor.
Second Storey
The second storey has an arcaded verandah on each side,
which is composed of 23 bays. The use of an ornamental
arch and square pillar has brought about a unique
composition.
Third And Fourth Storeys
These storeys are smaller in size than the ones below
it. They have an identical arrangement of arches
supported on pillars and chhatris attached on the
exterior to each facade.
Fifth Storey
The fifth storey is entirely in white marble as against
the lower storeys, which are finished in red stone.
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