The Tomb of Itmad- ud- Daulah, Agra

Built by Nur Jahan, wife of fourth Mughal emperor Jahangir, for her father, Itmad- ud- Daulah’s tomb in Agra in Uttar Pradesh is one of the earliest buildings in which pietra dura, a method of decorating the walls with floral designs studded with semi-precious stones, was used.

Also known as mini Taj, the structure is the first Mughal buildings built entirely from marble. Built between 1622 and 1628 it is also the first tomb to be built on the banks of the Yamuna.

Nur Jahan’s father Mirza Ghiyas Beg was given the title of Itmad- ud- Daulah (pillar of the state). He was the wazir (chief minister) of the Mughal empire under Jehangir.

Itmad- ud- Daulah’s tomb was built by Nur Jahan, Pietra dura is also used on a large scale in the Taj Mahal.

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