About the Itmad-Ud-Daula in English
A magnificent mausoleum in Agra, India, the Itmad-ud-Daulah is often called the “Baby Taj” due to its strong resemblance to the Taj Mahal. It was commissioned by the wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Nur Jahan, in memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who was called the “Itmad-ud-Daulah,” meaning the “Pillar of the State.”. The tomb was built between 1622 and 1628 and already shows some of the artistry that was later refined in the Taj Mahal. The tomb is made of white marble and features intricate inlay work using semi-precious stones.

The mausoleum contains Persian and Mughal architectural influences, such as the exquisite lattice screens, or jali work, geometric designs, and floral themes. Itmad-ud-Daulah, a precursor to the Taj Mahal, is situated in a peaceful park with water canals.

Itmad-Ud-Daula Story
Itmad-ud-Daula, a mausoleum in Agra, India, is often called the “Baby Taj” because of its striking similarity to the Taj Mahal. It was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, as a memorial to her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Mirza was a Persian aristocrat who gained notoriety in the Mughal court and was given the title Itmad-ud-Daula, which means “Pillar of the State.”

It is believed that the monument, constructed between 1622 and 1628, marked a radical shift from the erstwhile red sandstone towards extensive use of white marble and became the first one to adopt it. Elaborate inlay work with floral designs, delicate lattice screens, and semi-precious stones formed its unique aspect during the then time period. The impact of Nur Jahan, as well as her unflinching loyalty to her family, is also represented by the mausoleum.

Why was the Itmad-Ud-Daula built?
To honor her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Nur Jahan, wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, built Itmad-ud-Daula. Being a senior government official in the court of the Mughal Empire, he was also a Persian nobleman with the name “Itmad-ud-Daula,” which in Persian literally means “Pillar of the State.” Built as a celebration of his effort and heritage, it showcases rich Mughal artistry and architectural excellence in the design of this tomb.

Who built the Itmad-Ud-Daula?
In honor of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Nur Jahan, the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, constructed the Itmad-ud-Daula.

What is the Itmad-Ud-Daula?
The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this incredible white marble monument known as the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, in the 17th century as a tribute to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is the epitome of excellent architecture and serene beauty, symbolic of eternal love, and declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How much time did it take to build the Itmad-Ud-Daula?
The Itmad-ud-Daula building took place between 1622 and 1628, a period of about six years. Emperor Jahangir’s wife, Nur Jahan, built the mausoleum as a memorial to her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. The elaborate marble inlay work and exquisite details used in the construction process demonstrated the Mughal era’s highly developed expertise. With symmetrical gardens, water channels, and a fusion of Persian and Mughal architectural elements, the mausoleum’s architecture is considered to be one of the precursors of the Taj Mahal.

Architecture of the Itmad-Ud-Daula
The Itmad-ud-Daula’s architecture is a combination of Persian and Mughal styles. The mausoleum made of white marble is celebrated for its intricate inlays of semi-precious stones like agate, lapis lazuli, and jasper. It has geometric motifs, floral designs, and delicate lattice screens called the jali work. This building’s raised platform, along with the symmetrical water channel garden, reflects the strong Mughal concern towards nature and symmetry. Its design is said to be an early version of the Taj Mahal with intricate craftsmanship and being relatively small in size.

Where is the Itmad-Ud-Daula located in India?
The Itmad-Ud-Daula is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, on the banks of the Yamuna River.

Material used to build the Itmad-Ud-Daula
Semi-precious stones such as jasper, lapis lazuli, agate, and turquoise were carefully inlaid into white marble, which was the main material used to build the Itmad-ud-Daula. These materials showed the Mughal era’s sophisticated craftsmanship because they enabled intricate geometric and floral designs. The neighboring buildings and features also included red sandstone, which combined the two materials to produce a dramatic contrast.

What is inside the Itmad-Ud-Daula?
The Itmad-ud-Daula has Mirza Ghiyas Beg’s tomb, also known as Itmad-ud-Daula, inside the central chamber. The mausoleum is ornamented with beautiful marble inlay work with geometric and floral designs that are done in semi-precious stones. There are tiny compartments all around the tomb that were probably used to bury extra family members. The interior has intricate carvings and exquisite marble screens (jali work). The whole layout combines symmetry and grace, exemplifying the polished Mughal architecture.

Baby Taj to Taj Mahal distance
The Baby Taj, or Itmad-ud-Daula, is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the Taj Mahal. According to traffic, it takes between ten and fifteen minutes to reach there by car or autorickshaw. Two very important tourist attractions of Agra, India.

Agra Fort to Itmad ud Daulah distance
Itmad-ud-Daula is about 4 kilometers (about 2.5 miles) from Agra Fort. It takes ten to fifteen minutes to drive or take an autorickshaw between these two Agra historical monuments, depending on traffic.