SAIKAT M.
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Akbar's Tomb is a mausoleum in Sikandra, near Agra, India, housing the remains of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, the Great. Designed by Akbar himself and completed by his son Jahangir in 1613, it features a pyramidal structure of red sandstone and white marble, with five stories surrounding an open-air court. The tomb is set within a large, beautiful Mughal-style garden, and the complex includes a grand gateway and four minarets.
Architecture and Design
Materials: The tomb's main structure is built of red sandstone, while the uppermost story and parts of the gateway are made of white marble.
Pyramidal Shape: The tomb has a unique pyramidal form with five stories, each diminishing in size as they ascend.
Gateway: The impressive southern gateway features four marble minarets and an arc-way.
Interior: The tomb contains a central chamber housing a simple marble cenotaph, with the 99 names of Allah inscribed on the interior.
Gardens and Environment
Charbagh Garden: The mausoleum is surrounded by a classic Charbagh garden, a Mughal-style garden divided into four parts by water canals.
Wildlife: The well-maintained garden is home to various animals, including deer, monkeys, and peacocks.
Water Features: The garden originally featured water channels, cascades, and fountains to irrigate the grounds.
Historical Significance
Akbar's Vision: Akbar personally planned his own tomb and chose the site, a practice from Turkic customs.
Jahangir's Completion: His son, Emperor Jahangir, completed the construction of the tomb after Akbar's death in 1605.
Cultural Blend: The tomb reflects a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, showcasing Akbar's broad cultural and artistic tastes.