Introduction

The Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah, known as “Baby Taj,” is a Mughal period Mausoleum in Agra, India. Built by Nur Jahan from 1622 to 1628, it is the last home of her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a Persian noble and high-ranking Mughal official.

The tomb is placed in the middle of a Charbagh (four-sided garden) on the east side of the Yamuna River and is famous for it’s detailed work. It made up around 23 square meters (250 sq. ft), and it sits on a red stone base of 50 square meters (540 sq. ft), lifted about 1 meter (3.3 ft) tall. There are eight-sided towers, , 13 meters (43 ft) tall, at every corner making it look balanced. The grave holds many Nur Jahan’s family members and its only unbalanced part is the tombs of her mother and father next to each other a design copied later in the Taj Mahal.

Who was Mirza Ghiyas Beg

Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a Persian lord, got the name I’timad-ud-Daulah (“Pillar of State”) for his help with the Mughal Empire. After he passed away in 1622, his daughter, Nur Jahan, made this beautiful tomb to remember him. As Jahangir’s wife, Nur Jahan was an important part of Mughal politics and this monument stands as proof of her architectural vision.

Architecture and Design

The Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah shows a change in Mughal architecture, moving from red stone to white marble. Its walls, made of white marble from Rajasthan, are covered with shiny stones like coral, jasper, lapis lazuli, onyx and topaz making fancy flower designs, vases and cypress tree. The jali screens which are finely carved out of marble allow soft light to come inside the space creating a dreamlike effect.
Its balanced design, fine decorations, and careful inlay work were later improved in the Taj Mahal built by Nur Jahan’s stepson Shah Jahan. This tomb appears to have big influence on Mughal building.

Quranic Inscriptions on I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Words from Chapter 48 and 73 of Quran are written on 64 boards on the outside walls of the first floor, with date A. H. 1037 (1627 A. D.) noted on last panel. Also, Chapter 67 is cut into 12 inside panels of the top building.
The monument is now kept safe and looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Even if it’s lesser known than the Taj Mahal, the Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah is still a great work of Mughal art. Its new way of using white stone, detail͏ed carvings, and colorful stone inlays make it an amazing sign of Mughal building change. Found in a calm garden, it shows Nur Jahan’s care for her father and her role in Mughal design.

Address

Moti Bagh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282006.

Facilities & Amenities

• Food Stalls: Few snacks stalls are available near the main entrance.
• Kids Friendly: The front yards and gardens give lots of place for kids but under supervision.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Certain places are easy to get to but some parts may not be easy due to uneven surface and historical monument.
• Seating Spots: Seats and shaded places are available all over the area to rest.
• Drinking water: Water is available but it’s better to get your own bottle.
• Public Toilets: Available nearby.
• Buggies: No, buggies are not there in I’timad-ud-Daulah.
• Timings: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
• Sunrise/Sunset Views: The monument gives nice views, especially at sunrise and sunset, making it a delight for photographer.
• Photography: Photography is allowed in most of the places, but inside the main mausoleum is prohibited for photography.
• Shoe Counter: Available.

History & Interesting Facts

Nur Jahan commissioned this tomb in memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. It was the first Mughal building made all of white stone.
The tomb is a sample of Indo-Persian building style, showing complex decoration work. The Charbagh style garden layout inspired the design of the Taj Mahal. Tomb’s walls are decorated with lines from the Quran.

To read more : Chini ka Rauza

How to Reach I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

By Air

Nearest airport – Agra Airport (11 km away).
Delhi airport – 230 km away.

By Train

Agra has a good train network connecting it to other parts of India. The main railway station is Agra Cantonment, but there are also two other stations: Raja-ki-Mandi and Agra Fort. Some of the main trains connecting Agra to Delhi include the Palace on Wheels, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express.
Agra Cantt (AGC) railway station (9 km away).

By Road

Agra has regular bus services to many important cities. The main bus stand, Idgah, has buses to Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, and Fatehpur-Sikri. If you are traveling from Delhi to Agra, you can also hire a taxi at special discounted rates.
Agra is well connected via Yamuna Expressway from Delhi (4-5 hours drive).

Local Transportation

After arriving in Agra, you will need local transport to reach the I’timad-ud-Daulah. Taxis, tempos, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are easily available to take you to your destination. Prepaid taxis are also an option if you want to explore places near the city. If you enjoy adventure, you can rent a bicycle by the hour from different locations.

Parking

Yes, parking is available near the Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah in Agra.

Key Places to Visit Inside I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Main Mausoleum – The cenotaphs of Mirza Ghiyas Beg and his spouse.
Charbagh Garden – A four-section Mughal-type garden with water channels.
Marble Screens (Jali Work) – Detailed carved marble lattice windows.
Quranic Inscriptions – Seen on outside and inside walls.

Ticket and Entry Details

Entry Timings

The monument is open from 6am to 6pm.

Entry Fees

Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) – Rs. 15 per head.
Others: Rs. 200/- per head (ASI);
Rs. 10/- per head as Toll Tax (Agra Development Authority).
Children (under 15): Free
Rs. 500/- ticket of ADA is valid for the monuments of Agra Fort, I’timadi-ud-daulah, Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandara and Fatehpur Sikri
Ticket Counter: Available at the entrance
For more information and online ticket booking visit here.

Best Time to Visit

From October to March (Winter and Early Spring) – Cool and comfortable weather is good for exploring.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and strong sunlight.
Early morning and late afternoon give the finest views and less crowds.

Avoid

April to June (Summer) – Very hot, it makes outdoor sightseeing hard.
July to September (Rainy season) – Humid with moderate to heavy rainfall making travel tough.

Duration To Explore: Suggested Itinerary

It takes about an hour͏ to one and a half hours to look at the whole place, counting the gardens and building details.

Suggested Itinerary for I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Go to a tomb and look at the fine building.
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Relax in the garden and take pictures.
9:15 AM: Move on to the next attraction in Agra.

Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

• Outside food is not allowed.
• Carry a stroller for babies since there is many walking.
• Wear a comfortable shoe since the place needs a bit of walking.
• Go early in morning or late in evening for better experience and less crowd.
• Photography is alloewd but tripods and drones not allowed.
• Keep quiet and honor the importance of the historical site.
• Stay hydrated, especially during summers.
• Stick to the rules and guidelines made by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• Get rid of trash correctly and don’t throw things on the ground in a heritage site.
• You have to remove your shoes while entering the Main Mausoleum.
• Please carry mosquito repellent.
• Beware of pick pocketers in crowded place.

Nearby Places to Visit After Visiting I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Taj Mahal: 6 km away from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Agra Fort: 3 km away from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Mehtab Bagh: 2.5 km away from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Chini Ka Rauza (Adjacent to the tomb): 1.2 km away from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.

Restaurants & Local Market

Restaurants

Pinch of Spice (Multi-cuisine): 6.8 Km away from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Dasaprakash (South Indian): 7.9 Km away from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Joney’s Place (Korean, Japanese & North Indian specialties in a basic restaurant): 5.8 Km away from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Taj Bano,by ITC Mughal (An elegant and spacious multi-cuisine buffet restaurant): 6.3 Km away from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.

Local Markets

Shilpgram (Variety of handicrafts, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, and woodwork): 7 Km from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
The Warehouse of Gifts & Souvenirs (Govt. approved): 5.1 Km from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Agra Market (Leather items available): 3.5 Km from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.

Emergency Contacts

• Director General
  • Directorate of Tourism, Paryatan Bhavan C-13, Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar, For Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
  • Email: dg-upt@up.gov.in

• For Booking / Tour Packages Related Query Contact: 
  • 0522- 4004402, 2612659
• For Tourism Policy Related Query Contact on this Email id: 
  • uptourismpolicy@gmail.com
  • investment.uptourism@gmail.com

To know more visit here

Hospitals In Agra

KPIMS Hospital

Raghunath Medical Complex, 11/60A, near st george’s school unit II, Bagh Muzaffar Khan, khatikpada, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282002.
3.6 km from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
To know more details, visit KPIMS Hospital

Pushpanjali Hospital & Research Centre

Pushpanjali Palace, Delhi Gate Rd, Hariparwat, Harparvat, Civil Lines, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282002.
5 km from I’timad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
To know more details, visit Pushpanjali Hospital & Research Centre

FAQs About Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb

Is photography allowed inside the tomb?
Yes, photography is allowed, but tripods and drones are not permitted.

Is there any dress code while visiting the tomb?
No there is no strict dress code, but modest attire is recommended.

Is the tomb wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the site is accessible, but some areas may have uneven surfaces.

What is unique about Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb?
It was the first Mughal structure built entirely in white marble and inspired the Taj Mahal.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, local guides are available at the entrance, and Pathbeat audio guides is also be an option.