Sikandra

Sikandara - a small village on the outskirts of Agra is the place which Akbar the Great chose to finally rest. He started to build his own mausoleum in Sikandara. He wanted it to be a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist and Jain architectural style symbolizing the religious tolerance he practiced while he was alive. Unfortunately he died before the completion of the mausoleum! 

This structure was completed by his son Jehangir who brought in several changes in the original plan. The tomb has three storied minarets made of red sand stone which are all inlayed with wonderful work of marble.

 

The actual structure which houses the grave of Akbar is shaped like a truncated pyramid and has five stories. There are spacious cloisters on the ground floor. An elaborately decorated vestibule occupies the centre of the southern side, highlighted by exquisite carvings, artistic paintings and inlay work in geometric and floral designs enshrining the tombstone of Akbar. All the stories are built in red stone except the fifth one, which is entirely in white marble. All of these minarets are built in four tiers that diminish in diameter to the top and are crowned by chhatri. The combination of white marble and red sandstone with their contrasting colors and textures looks stunning. 'Swastik', a symbol of Hindus, has also been used for decorative purpose.

The chamber which houses the grave of Akbar is absolutely simple and paved with normal stone. Even the vestibule which leads to the grave of Akbar is absolutely plain and no art work can be seen inside this. I do not know why this place is so simple although the entire structure is lavishly decorated!