Agra, famous worldwide because of the Taj Mahal, is one of the world’s most visited cities. Travellers visit it from all around the world. After all, it is home to one of the world’s seven wonders.
Agra, which locates on the banks of the Yamuna river & along with Delhi and Jaipur, is a part of the Golden Tourism Triangle.
Did you know that this historic city is home to landmarks and ancient treasures & is the most visited in the country? Agra is now, after Delhi, the only city in North India with more than ten five-star hotels.
If you want to learn more about Agra and get some intriguing information about its monuments, you should read this article. Here are some fascinating facts about Agra by The Himalayan Outback that you may not be aware of.
The Yamuna River in Agra had previously earned the title of “the Blue River”.
This information is both fascinating and heartbreaking. The Yamuna River’s water used to be so pure that it earned the title “Blue River.” However, it is now one of the most polluted rivers in the country. If only humans could see the damage they are causing to nature in the name of progress!
Agra was formerly one of the most powerful in the Mughal period.
During the reigns of Akbar and Shah Jahan, the city served as the capital of the Mughal Kingdom from 1556 until 1648. It was the great era of the Mughal Dynasty. The beauty and magnificence of the metropolis drew kings and princes from all over the world. It also finds its association with the Chauhan clans of Hindu Rajputs. After Shah Jahan’s reign ended in 1648, the capital was relocated to Delhi.
It’s the birthplace of Urdu and Hindi literature.
Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan, often known as Mirza Ghalib, the most famous and recognised Urdu poet, was born in this place. Surdas, a well-known 15th-century poet, was also born in Agra’s Runkta hamlet. This is why the city is known as the birthplace of Urdu and Hindu literature.
The truth behind the Shivaji monument outside Agra Fort.
The legend behind the monument of legendary Shivaji outside the Agra Fort is fascinating. The Mughals seized Shivaji and imprisoned him in this Fort. But Shivaji Maharaja deftly managed to avoid the opponents’ keen surveillance. His huge statue was built outside the Fort as a monument to his clever strategy and escape plan.
Agraben was the name of the city before the Mahabharata period.
Though history may tell a different narrative, Agra is mentioned several times as “Agraben” in the epic Mahabharata. This demonstrates that the city existed before the Mahabharata era.
Agra is the country’s largest shoe maker.
In addition to being India’s major shoe maker, it is the world’s second-largest shoe exporter after China.
Noori Darwaja’s bomb narrative.
Agra witnessed a popular bombing event staged by the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association against the Central Legislative Assembly. The notion was conceived by Bhagat Singh. The bomb was created in Agra. All of the freedom fighters were taking refuge in the Noori Darwaja, which served as a safe haven.
The Taj has several interesting facts about it.
The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most symmetrically built structures. The four sides are designed such that they make a perfect mirror image on both sides. Furthermore, the pillars are slightly slanted on the outside. In the case of an earthquake, this will keep them from collapsing on the main monument.
Three UNESCO World Heritage sites are located in the city.
Agra is one of two Indian cities with three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the other being Delhi. These UNESCO monuments in Agra include the Red Fort, the Taj Mahal, and Fatehpur Sikri, Agra’s twin city constructed by Akbar.
The world’s largest sloth bear rescue centre.
The Agra Bear Rescue Facility is the world’s largest Sloth Bear Rescue Facility. It was founded in 1999 by Animals SOS in conjunction with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and now houses around 130 sloth bears and many other species of wildlife in big wooden enclosures with ponds and shaded trees. – SOS Wildlife
Surdas’ birthplace
Surdas, one of the most important Hindu poets and a follower of Lord Krishna, was born in Agra. Despite the fact that Surdas was blind (yes, blind), he created several outstanding pieces of literature in the local Braj language in the 16th century.
A 172 -Year-Old College Is Located Here
Many people are unaware that St. John’s College in Agra is one of the country’s oldest colleges. It was founded in 1850, under the British Empire. It is now well-known not just for its historical significance, but also for its architectural beauty.
Conclusion
You might be surprised to know these facts about the city. It is distressing to witness such a gorgeous and wonderful city on the verge of destruction owing to rising pollution levels. It is high time for humanity to exercise greater caution in our damaging acts toward Mother Nature! Book your memorable trip with The Himalayan Outback and have a conservation-minded travel operator take care of your trip.