Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
Itimad-ud-Daulah’s tomb is located in Agra, built across the Yamuna River. It was built by Mehr-un-Nissa, who was later on known as Nur Jahan. She built this tomb for her father, Itimad-ud-Daulah who died in 1622. Itimad-ud-Daulah was a poor Persian merchant, father and grandfather of two of the greatest Mughal queens. He was buried in this tranquil little enclosed garden set against the open skyline beside the river. The tomb stands on a low platform and is rectangular in shape. It has four minars or domed towers growing out of its four corners. The roof is flat. It is completely encased in white marble and inlaid with precious gems which makes this building special and a landmark in the Mughal architecture.
The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah is renowned for its pietra dura, stone-inlay work. It is created in hues of warm reds and browns and soft greens and greys embedded in a math surface. The different sections of the tomb’s wall is studded with geometrical designs, floral motifs and arabesque patterns.
