Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah

Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah

NurJehan, the wife and queen of Mughal Emperor Jehangir built this tomb for her father Mirza Shiyath Beg between 1622-25. Soon after her marriage to the father, Mirza was appointed Prime Minister of the Empire and received the title of 'Itimad-ud-Daulah' or 'Treasurer of the Empire'. The tomb is situated on the left bank of river Yamuna and is only overshadowed by Taj in beauty. This beautiful mausolem was the first one to be built on a riverbank, which was normally used only to build pleasure gardens till then. The marble mausoleum is designed like a silver jewel box with stunning and delicate inlay work. Facing river Yamuna, this quadrangular tomb stretches across 550 sq. feet with four gateways facing the four main directions. However, the Eastern gateway served as the main entrance of the tomb while the rest were built only to maintain the symmetry. The square tomb building is built on a red sand stone plinth, which was set aesthetically in the center of a 'Char Bagh'.