What Is the Tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah?
Nicknamed the “jewel box” or “Baby Taj” for tourists, the tomb of I’timad-ud-Daulah is the final resting place of royal treasurer, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, and his wife, Asmat Begam!
What Makes It Historical?
In 1576, Mirza Ghiyas Beg was broke and disgraced in Tehran with three kids and a pregnant wife! Deciding to move to India and look for a job in the court of Akbar the Great, the family lost all but two mules to robbers but found help with a merchant named Malik Masud! From here, fortunes only went up for Mr. Ghiyas, who became treasurer for the province of Kabul in 1577 and rose to the high position of I’timad-ud-Daulah (“Pillar of the State”) in 1611! That was the year Emperor Jahangir married Mr. Ghiyas’ daughter, Mehr-un-Nissa, and renamed her Nur Jehan!
Mr. Ghiyas’ royal legacy continued through his son’s daughter, Arjumand Banu Begum, later known as Mumtaz Mahal! For that reason, his tomb is often considered a model for hers, transitioning between the red sandstone of Akbar’s tomb and the white marble of the Taj Mahal! Built by Nur Jehan between 1622 and 1628, this is the centerpiece of a charbagh (four-quartered) garden, inlaid with semi-precious stones in the shapes of vines, trees, and “wine” bottles! Asmat’s tomb lies at the exact center, while Mr. Ghiyas lies right next to hers.
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer with the World Monuments Fund!
- Donate to the World Monuments Fund!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
Moti Bagh
Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282006
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The tomb is open daily from sunrise to sunset!
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