History of Agra

Agra treasures quite a rich historic background which also proved to be an important journey for India. The city, situated on the banks of river Yamuna, assumed importance when Agra found its reference in the famous Hindu epic Mahabharata as 'Agravana'. It also came to be known as 'Arya Griha' or the home of Aryan rulers. But the real chapter in Agra's history commenced once the Delhi Sultanate emperor Sikandar Lodhi of the Lodhi Dynasty, shifted his base from Delhi to Agra in 1501 AD.

The city has always remained an important seat of major empires and this was proved once again when Mughal emperor Babur defeated the Lodhis in the Battle of Panipat in 1526 AD. Since then, there was no looking back as the city continued to flourish in the reigns of Mughal empire. Babur established persian style gardens on the banks of river Yamuna, which were the first stones of Mughal architechture on its turf. His son Humayu too contributed in Agra's development. But the Golden era for the city commenced when Akbar came to throne. He erected the magnificent Red Fort and designated the city to be the centre for arts and commerce.

Akbar's son Jehangir too added many gems within the city's periphery, taking it to new heights. But, the major breakthrough in Agra's popularity came when Jehangir's son Shah Jahan built the marble monument for his love Mumtaz Mahal, The Taj Mahal. Agra is even today known throughout the world for this wonder of the world, that has brought many accolades for the country. The period of 16th to 17th century was the peak period, when it saw the maximum development and creation of marble and red sandstone mausoleums, monuments, forts and sprawling gardens. Agra remained the capital city of India during the reign of Shah Jahan's son Aurangzeb.

After the death of the last Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, aegis of Agra fell into the hands of Jats, who plundered its rich treasure of the Mughal forts and monuments including Taj Mahal. In 1770, the Marathas came to power in Agra from whom its reigns were overtaken by the British in 1803, who slowly dominated the whole of India. After the first major revolt against the Britishers in 1857, the administration capital was shifted to Allahabad. Agra lost its pivotal role of being the administration seat but it gradually came to be known for its chemical and tourism industry.