From intricate carvings and detailed calligraphy to magnificent domes and arches, the Mughal tombs in Agra are a sight to behold and a perfect destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of India’s Mughal era. One such is the tomb of Mariam uz Zamani, also known as Mariam’s Tomb, which is a magnificent mausoleum located in Agra, India. Anyone who enjoys history and culture should visit this beautiful structure that showcases exquisite Mughal architecture.
Let us now read about the story of the Tomb of Akbar’s most adored wife.
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Who was Mariam uz Zamani?
The story of Mariam’s Tomb, also known as the Tomb of Mariam uz Zamani, is about the life of Mariam uz Zamani. The identity of Mariam seems to have undergone shifts in the view of historians in the past. It is now popularly believed that Mariam was actually Hira Kunwari, was Akbar’s first Rajput wife. Hira Kunwari is said to have been the daughter of Raja Bharmal, Rajput King of Amber.
However, as far as the ASI publication of 1909, it seems that Mariam was known to have been the Christian wife of Akbar. The exact shift of view of Mariam’s identity isn’t clearly traceable at this point.
Another interesting article, “Jahangir’s mother and guardian” sheds very interesting light on several aspects of the records known about Mariam. Many of his observations cast unanswered questions on Mariam’s Rajput identity.
However, in the present, it is believed that her marriage to Akbar symbolized the alliance between the Mughals and the Rajputs. Her son, Jahangir, built this tomb between 1623 and 1627 as a tribute to her. The tomb is located in Sikandra, 1 km away from Akbar’s tomb, and is a fine example of Mughal architecture.
Mariam built a stepped water tank in Ibrahimabad in Bayana. She is also said to have built the Begum Shahi mosque or Masjid Mariyam Zamani in Lahore, Pakistan. Per wikipedia, the Persian inscription in the mosque attribute the mosque to Mariam as below:
God be thanked through whose grace, under the auspices of Her Majesty, this building was completed. The founder of the edifice, the place of salvation, is Queen Mariyam Zamani. For the completion of this edifice, which resembles paradise, I was thinking about when at last I found it in the words “What a fine mosque!”
Origins of Sikandra – Tombs of Mariam uz Zamani and Akbar
Sikandra today is a village on the outskirts of Agra. However, the history of the place goes atleast till the Sultan Sikandar Lodi of the Lodi dynasty. In 1506, Sikandar Lodi had shifted his capital to Agra and Sikandra is the locality he had founded back then.
It is likely that the main city of Agra was perhaps centered around this locality in those times. The place where Mariam’s tomb is located is believed to have been a Baradari or a pleasure house built by Sikandar Lodi originally.
READ MORE: Tombs of Akbar and Mariam uz Zamani
What is the architecture of Mariam uz Zamani’s Tomb?
The Tomb is situated inside the mausoleum in a garden complex that forms part of the larger Mughal garden tradition. The design of the tomb combines traditional Mughal architectural elements with unique innovations. Built primarily of red sandstone with marble inlays, the mausoleum stands out for its intricate ornamentation and harmonious proportions.
The mausoleum is octagonal in shape, a departure from the more typical square or rectangular tombs of the Mughal period. This octagonal plan is aligned with the celestial directions, reflecting the Mughal interest in cosmic symbolism. Each face of the mausoleum is adorned with decorative patterns and motifs, including floral designs, geometric shapes, and calligraphic inscriptions, all of which are rendered in both red sandstone and white marble.
The central chamber of the mausoleum houses the cenotaph of Marium uz Zamani. This central chamber is enclosed by a verandah that provides a transition space between the outer garden and the inner sanctum. The cenotaph itself is modest compared to other Mughal tombs but is exquisitely carved, featuring intricate marble inlay work known as pietra dura, a hallmark of Mughal craftsmanship.
The mausoleum is set amidst a formal garden layout, which is divided into quadrants by pathways and water channels, a design reflecting the Persian influence on Mughal gardens. This garden is not only a setting for the mausoleum but also serves as a representation of paradise on earth, a common theme in Mughal funerary architecture.
A Pivotal Figure in Mughal History
Mariam uz Zamani played a significant role in Akbar’s life and reign. She is credited with influencing Akbar’s tolerant and inclusive policies towards different religions. Din-i-Ilahi, a new religion that Akbar founded, was said to be influenced by both beliefs from multiple faiths. Mariam may have had a role to play indirectly influencing Akbar as well.
Historical Evolution
The construction of the Marium uz Zamani Mausoleum was initiated by Emperor Jahangir in 1623, shortly after his mother’s death. It was completed during the reign of Shah Jahan, Jahangir’s successor. The mausoleum’s design and construction were overseen by the emperor’s court architects, who drew on the extensive Mughal architectural vocabulary while incorporating new elements to suit the personal and symbolic needs of the mausoleum.
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Over the centuries, the mausoleum has experienced periods of neglect and restoration. During the British colonial period, the structure fell into disrepair, and parts of the original decorative elements were damaged or lost. However, in the 20th and 21st centuries, conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve the mausoleum’s historical and architectural integrity. These efforts have included restoration of the gardens, repair of the structural elements, and cleaning of the decorative surfaces.
Cultural and Symbolic Significance
The Marium uz Zamani Mausoleum stands as a testament to the high status of women in the Mughal imperial family. Her role in the Mughal dynasty was pivotal, as she was not only the mother of an emperor but also an influential figure in the court. The mausoleum’s grandeur reflects her esteemed position and the Mughal tradition of honoring royal women with elaborate funerary monuments.
Moreover, the mausoleum represents the synthesis of diverse cultural influences that characterized the Mughal Empire. The incorporation of Persian, Rajput, and indigenous Indian elements in its design highlights the cosmopolitan nature of Mughal architecture. It serves as a physical manifestation of the Mughal Empire’s cultural and political strategies, blending artistic traditions to create a unique and enduring symbol of Mughal heritage.
The Legacy of Mariam Continues
The Mariam uz Zamani Mausoleum is a magnificent architectural masterpiece that reflects the grandeur and opulence of the Mughal Empire. It is a testament to the love and respect that Akbar had for his first wife and a symbol of the cultural exchange that took place during his reign. The mausoleum continues to inspire awe and wonder in visitors from all walks of life.
