Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani in Sikandra

Agra city has several monuments and buildings that forms the real picture of the Mughal rulers in this city. The Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani is among the most popular places and a tourist spot. Tourists mostly prefer this place to visit because of the history attached to it. It is the mausoleum of the Hindu princess and a Mughal Empress Mariam-uz-Zamani who was also known by the several other names such as Jodha Bai, Hira Kunwari and Harka Bai. She was the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amer. She was born in 1542 and her life journey ended in 1623 in this city of Agra.


This place is known by the name of Mariam-uz-Zamani because of the title which she received after getting married to Mughal emperor Akbar The Great, and she was the beloved wife of this powerful Mughal emperor. She gave birth to the next Mughal ruler named as Jahangir. This tomb was built by his son Jahangir in the memory of his mother Mariam-uz-Zamani and was located near the Akbar's Tomb as per the last wish expressed by her. This tomb is the nearest one, as the other Begums of Akbar are concerned and they are buried much far away. This tomb is about 1 kilometer away in distance from the Akbar's tomb.

This Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani in Sikandra was built in 1623 and the construction was completed in 1627 during the reign of her son Jahangir. This tomb was renovated several times during the Mughal period. It has around forty chambers and the walls of the same are painted with faint traces. The central part of the ground floor is the place for the Mariam-uz-Zamani cenotaph. It is constructed with three tomb stones, the original one is in the ground floor which forms the original cenotaph of this Mughal empress and the middle and on the terrace one are design to resemble the same.

The tomb is located in the central part of the popular Mughal garden and is the square in shape. It is supported by the stairs from the southern and northern direction and is located above from the level of the ground. There are several corridors and sections that divides this tomb. The heavy piers are used as the supporter of heavy ceilings and arches. The brick and mortar is used in large quantity. This tomb represents the beauty of architectures in those days, as the four facades of it are constructed with the red sandstone panels. The facades has an arch in the center and forms the rectangular shape.


Further, the structure of this tomb forms the four octagonal chhatris on the four corners. This is also made up of red stone. In-order to support this there are brackets and pillars. Along with this the Chhaparkhat forms the rectangular shape and are also supported by the eight cluster of barackets. The domes of the Chhatris are white and the lower part of the chhatris are red because of the use of red sandstone. The another beauty of this tomb is the available of inverted lotus or padma kosha on the domes. These materials adds an beauty to this tomb and are the part of ornament. The unique feature of this tomb is the look. It is alike from the front and back side. The beauty of this Mariam-uz-Zamani tomb is increased by the decorative paintings, designs, etc. The floral pattern used in this tomb reflects the real talents in the architects of those days. The design of flowers and other arts reflects the hard work done in its construction.

Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani Address: Sikandra, Bainpur Mustkil, Uttar Pradesh - 282007