Agra
The history of Agra dates back several centuries and is closely intertwined with the rise and fall of various dynasties in India. Here's an overview of the history of Agra city:
Ancient and Medieval Periods :-
Agra's history can be traced back to ancient times when it was part of the ancient kingdom of Magadha. It was later ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Kushanas, Guptas, and Rajputs. In the 11th century, Agra came under the control of the Rajput dynasty of the Tomaras. They built a fort called "Badalgarh" in the area. Agra witnessed a period of Muslim rule when it was captured by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni in the 11th century. However, the city remained under the control of Rajputs until the 16th century.
Mughal Era :-
A significant turning point in the history of Agra came with the arrival of the Mughals in the 16th century. The city rose to prominence during the reign of Emperor Akbar, who made Agra the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1571. Akbar constructed several buildings and fortifications in Agra, including the Agra Fort and the city's famous Fatehpur Sikri complex. It was during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, Akbar's grandson, that Agra witnessed its most glorious period. Shah Jahan built the iconic Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in the 17th century. The Taj Mahal remains one of the world's most famous and recognized landmarks.
Decline and British Rule :-
Agra's prominence as the Mughal capital declined after Shah Jahan's reign. The capital was shifted to Delhi by Emperor Shah Jahan's successor, Aurangzeb. In the early 18th century, Agra came under the control of various regional powers, including the Marathas and the Jats. The city faced political instability and a decline in its architectural and cultural heritage. Agra was captured by the British East India Company in 1803 during the British Raj era. The city became an important administrative and military center under British rule.
Post-Independence :-
After India gained independence from British rule in 1947, Agra became part of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Today, Agra is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to witness its magnificent Mughal-era monuments, particularly the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The history of Agra city is a testament to the rise and fall of empires and the architectural legacy left behind by the Mughals. It continues to captivate people from around the world with its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Agra is well-connected to major cities in India, making it easily accessible by air, train, and road. Here are the various modes of transportation to reach Agra :-
By Air :- Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi is the nearest international airport to Agra, located approximately 220 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked private car to Agra.
Agra has its own domestic airport called the Agra Airport (AGR), also known as Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport. It is located around 7 kilometers from the city center. However, the number of flights operating from this airport is limited, and most travelers prefer to use the Delhi airport for better connectivity.
By Train :-
Agra is well-connected to major cities in India by rail. The city has four railway stations: Agra Cantonment (AGC), Agra Fort (AF), Raja ki Mandi (RKM), and Idgah Agra Junction (IDH).
- Agra Cantonment (AGC) is the main railway station and has frequent train services from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, and other major Indian cities.
- Agra Fort (AF) is another important railway station with train services from various cities.
By Road :-
Agra is well-connected to major cities in North India by a network of national highways and state highways.
- The Yamuna Expressway connects Agra to Delhi and offers a fast and convenient road journey.
- The National Highway 19 (NH 19) also connects Agra to Delhi and other cities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- Agra is also connected to Jaipur, Rajasthan, via the National Highway 21 (NH 21).
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