Sikandra : The Mausoleum of Akbar Near Agra
admin January 23rd, 2008
Four kilometers from Agra is the mausoleum of Akbar. Construction of this beautiful monument was started by Akbar himself. This structure is a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs. But Akbar died before his mausoleum could be completed and his son Jehangir completed it.
Akbar was a Mughal emperor who was also a great connoisseur of the arts. He had many works of archi- tecture constructed, all incorporating various styles into their designs. The emperor began construction on his tomb in Sikandra, near Agra, in 1605. The building was completed by his son, who finished the structure using designs and methods not originally intended, like leaving out a crowning dome. The tomb of Akbar is an arcuate structure built from red sandstone and white marble. On each of its four sides, the grand portals are inlayed with complex mosaics.
Jehangir made many modifications in the original plan of the building. The structure gives an excellent idea as to how the Moghal art was developing. From the Humayun’s tomb in Delhi to Akbar’s Tomb in Sikandra finally to the Taj Mahal.
Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra
Sikandra is named after Sikander Lodhi. The tomb has three-storey-minarets on its four corners. These minarets are built in red sandstone with stunning inlay work of marble.Sikander Lodhi had built the Baradi palace in the garden. On the road from Sikandra to Agra (Home of Taj Mahal, India) are several tombs and also two ‘Kos Minars’ or mile stones.
The tomb in elevation has a pyramid style construction and consists of five floors:
Ground Floor
The ground floor has spacious cloisters on all the four sides except in the middle of the southern side. The cloisters are divided by the numerous bays by massive piers and arches. Each bay measures 22 feet square. A vestibule, which has been ornamented very profusely with exquisite carvings, occupies the centre of the southern side, artistic paintings and inlay work in geometric and floral designs. The tombstone of Akbar is placed in the middle of this room. Akbar’s daughters, Shakrul Nisha Begum and Aram Bano are also entombed in this floor.
Second Floor
The second storey has an arcaded verandah on each side, which is composed of 23 bays. The use of an ornamental arch and square pillar has brought about a unique composition.
Third And Fourth Floors
These storeys are smaller in size than the ones below it. They have an identical arrangement of arches supported on pillars and chhatris attached on the exterior to each facade.
Fifth Floor
The fifth storey is entirely in white marble as against the lower storeys, which are finished in red stone.
On top is an open courtyard surrounded by a marble screen enclosing the tomb itself. The building is unique in its departure from Islamic architectural tradition, for it has no domed roof.