Fast Facts:

Location: In the old city area just a Kilometer North to Itmad-ud-daula
Ideal Time to Visit: Anytime round the year
Attraction: Embroidery work on facets
How to Reach: Hire a cab or Auto from the hotel

Chini Ka Rauza in Agra:

This tomb is a memorial dedicated to Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz, who was a Persian poet-scholar and later the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. Chini Ka Rauza is an Afzal Khan creation, who was a high official in the court of Shah Jahan. It is decorated with glazed tiles on the facade and depicts the Persian influence on Mughal architecture.

Built in 1635, Chini-ka-rauza is situated at a distance of less than one kilometer north of Itmad-ud-daulah on the same side of the Yamuna. Neglected and decaying, its soft brown stone is exposed to the elements and is now crumbling away into the riverbank. Topped with an Afghan-style bulbous dome, the dull earth-coloured tomb is a far cry from Nur Jahan's delicate work, but is distinctive as Agra's sole Persian construction. Parts of the walls are still covered with the coloured enamel tiles (chini) that once enhanced the whole of the exterior and gave the tomb its name, while traces of paintings and Islamic calligraphy can still be made out on the high domed ceiling. It is a rectangular structure, having beautiful title work in glazing colours, and is surrounded by a great bulbous dome. On the top of the chamber some Quranic texts are inscribed on it. Although it is in a dilapidated condition, but still its craftsmanship is worth seeing.

Location:
Located at a distance of just around 1 Km from Itimad ud Daulah's Tomb, Chini ka Rauza is the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah of Shiraz, a scholar and poet who was the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. A notable feature amongst the many attractions that Agra offers, Chini ka Rauza is the only example of Persian architecture in the city.

Architecture:
The structural design of the Chini ka Rauza is like the rest of the architectural masterpieces constructed by the Mughals a work of excellence. Built during the reign of Shah Jahan, at a time when the architectural prowess of the Mughals was at its peak, Chini ka Rauza is a must see for tourists to Agra. The most distinctive feature of the tomb is the colorful tiles or chini, from which the mausoleum gets its name. Rectangular in shape, the tomb is constructed mainly of brown stone, which today is sadly falling prey to negligence and crumbling away. The walls of the tomb are adorned with inscriptions and colored tiles that give a distinctive look to the structure.

The Tomb:
The central chamber which actually houses the tomb is an octagonal chamber that consists of eight arched corners. This chamber is connected to the side halls and outer porches through four square chambers. The central arch, which is one of the most prominent architectural features of the tomb, is adorned with inscriptions marked with blue colored tiles.

How to Reach:
Agra in Uttar Pradesh (India) is a popular destination in India, and is well connected by air, rail, and road with most of the major cities of India. After reaching Agra there are several options to explore this beautiful city like prepaid taxis, autos, and cycle rickshaws.