Agra has a rich historical background, which is amply evident from the
numerous historical monuments in and around the city. The earliest
reference for Agra comes from the epical age, when Mahabharata
refer Agra as Agravana. In the sources prior to this, Agra has been
referred as Arya Griha or the abode of the Aryans. The first person
who referred Agra by its modern name was Ptolemy.
Though the heritage of Agra city is linked with the Mughal dynasty,
numerous other rulers also contributed to the rich past of this city.
Modern Agra was founded by Sikandar Lodhi (Lodhi dynasty;
Delhi Sultanate) in the 16th century. Babar (founder of the Mughal
dynasty) also stayed for sometime in Agra and introduced the
concept of square Persian-styled gardens here. Emperor Akbar
built the Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. Fatehpur Sikri
remained his capital for around fifteen years after which the city
was left isolated in mysterious circumstances. Jahangir beautified
Agra with palaces and gardens despite spending most of his time in
Kashmir with which he was passionately attached.
Agra came to its own when Shahjahan ascended to the throne of
Mughal Empire. He marked the zenith of Mughal architecture,
when he built the Taj in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.
In his later years, Shahjahan shifted his capital to the new city of
Shahjahanabad in Delhi and ruled from there. Shahjahan was
dethroned in1658 by his son, Aurangzeb who imprisoned him in the
Agra Fort. Aurangzeb shifted the capital back to Agra till his death.
After the death of Aurangzeb, Mughal Empire could not touch its
peak and many regional kingdoms emerged. The post-Mughal era
of Agra saw the rule of the Jats, Marathas and finally the British
taking over the city.
Amit Kapoor
Secretary YMCA Agra