Agra

From Jaipur, we make our way by bus to Agra.  It is another very long bus ride.  Along the way we stop at the mid-16^th Century city of Fatehpur Sikri http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fatehpur_Sikri.  This massive city complex was occupied for only fifteen years, then abandoned apparently due to a lack of water.  The red sandstone palaces that remain are a fusion of Indian, Persian and European architecture. 

The central pillar of the Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience

The exterior of Diwan-i-Khas

Blending of architectural styles

Beautiful gardens amongst the palace buildings

Panch Mahal

A decorative frieze of earring pendants

 The palace is surrounded by an eleven kilometer wall  

We arrive in Agra late in the afternoon.  As we are driving through the city I am struck with the thought that although Agra may have one of the most beautiful man-made structures in the world, the squalor is overwhelming, the worst that we have seen.  Once again, our hotel is a welcome oasis.

The next morning we rise early to beat the crowds and the heat on our visit to the Taj Mahal. Before seeing the Taj Mahal one wondered if it is an overrated, touristy spectacle and may be disappointing.  In the end we found the experience of seeing the Taj Mahal to have a powerful effect on your emotions; it was captivating, enchanting, awe-inspiring and mesmerizing but at the same time gave one a peaceful, calm feeling.

   

Approaching the gateway to the Taj Mahal, know as theThe Great Gate (Darwaza-i rauza)

Detail of the archway in the Great Gate

The first glimpse of the Taj Mahal

The hazy atmosphere gave one the feeling that it was an apparition.

A group photo of the people on our tour
Back Row: Clayton, Harry, Anne, Al, Denell
Front Row: Jean, Debbie, Roxanne and Sheila

A classic view showing the symmetry of the mausoleum framed by four minarets.

The next four photos show the exquisite detailing of the marble surfaces surrounding the main entrance to the Taj Mahal.  The calligraphy, flowers and vines are pietra-dura (inlaid mosaic work using semi-precious stones in the white marble) . 

The Yamuna River flowing on the north side of the Taj Mahal is barly visible.

Close up of detail on one of the minarets

Our hosts Gorev and Suhasini

Typical Indian street scenes near the Taj Mahal:  a dog just lying in the middle of an intersection with all the traffic just going around him

A cow making its way across the street

After leaving the Taj Mahal, we cross the Yamuna River and arrive at the Agra Fort.  This fort precedes the Taj Mahal by a century or more.  It served as the home for the Mogul emperors.  Shah Jahan, the third in the line of emperors living in this fort, built the Taj Mahal monument in memory of his favorite wife.  Shah Jahan was later imprisoned in the Agra Fort by one of his sons, who ruthlessly took over power from his father.  He lived out his life looking across the river at the Taj Mahal.  When he died, he was buried in the crypt in the Taj Mahal next to his wife.

The exterior walls of the Agra Fort

Rose-ringed Parakeets nest in the walls of the fort.

The next seven photos show some of the beautiful architecture inside the Agra Fort.

Our next stop is an embroidery and jewellery museum and store.

For some reason, I am chosen to model this very old jewellery set consisting of a ring, bracelet and necklace of emeralds, diamonds and pearls.  Apparently not for sale but we didn't ask what it was worth.

The museum was also a showcase for Zardozi Embroidery.  This is an ancient Persian Art of handstiched, intricate patterns using wire and silk thread on silk, velvet or brocade.  The embroideries are studded with pearls and precious stones.  The creator of the particular embroideries that we saw was a man named Sheikh Shams Uddin.  He had inherited the art from his father.  The photos that we took do not do the work justice, but if you are interested you can look at the website http://shamsembroidery.com