Chini ka Rauza

Chini ka Rauza

Introduction

Agra can definitely be termed as the hub of historical tourism in India. Almost each and every nook and corner of this ancient city relates a tale of its own, sharing secrets which time had thought to be buried within the silent bricks of Agra. Of the many historical attractions of the city, one of the lesser-known ones is the Chini ka Rauza , the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah of Shiraz, built in 1635.

Location

Located at a distance of just around 1 Km from Itimad ud Daulah's Tomb, Chini ka Rauza is the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah of Shiraz, a scholar and poet who was the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. A notable feature amongst the many attractions that Agra offers, Chini ka Rauza is the only example of Persian architecture in the city.

Architecture

The structural design of the Chini ka Rauza is like the rest of the architectural masterpieces constructed by the Mughals a work of excellence. Built during the reign of Shah Jahan, at a time when the architectural prowess of the Mughals was at its peak, Chini ka Rauza is a must see for tourists to Agra. The most distinctive feature of the tomb is the colorful tiles or chini, from which the mausoleum gets its name. Rectangular in shape, the tomb is constructed mainly of brown stone, which today is sadly falling prey to negligence and crumbling away. The walls of the tomb are adorned with inscriptions and colored tiles that give a distinctive look to the structure.

However, perhaps the most significant feature of the tomb is the Afghan-style rounded dome that is adorned with inscriptions from Islamic texts.

The Tomb

The central chamber which actually houses the tomb is an octagonal chamber that consists of eight arched corners. This chamber is connected to the side halls and outer porches through four square chambers. The central arch, which is one of the most prominent architectural features of the tomb, is adorned with inscriptions marked with blue colored tiles.