Akbar's Tomb at Sikandra is by far the most unique among the sepulchres of Asia. The tomb is situated on the Agra-Mathura road on National Highway No. 2. Sikandar Lodhi, the powerful king of Lodi dynasty, made Sikandra his capital in 1492 A.D. and inhabited this township. Though all the glorious signs of the then Sikandra are no more now, except a beautiful Baradari, made of stone.

Construction of this beautiful monument was started by Akbar himself in 1602 A.D., but could not be completed as Akbar lived. Akbar died before his mausoleum could be completed and his son Jehangir completed it in 1613 A.D. with a cost of Rs. 1.5 million at that time. The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar represents his philosophy and secular outlook. This structure is a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs.

Jehangir made many modifications in the original plan of the building. The structure gives an excellent idea as to how the Moghal art was developing. From the Humayun's tomb in Delhi to Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra finally to the Taj Mahal.

Langur monkeys wait on the walkways from gateway to tomb to be fed. So many dears and ducks are there in garden around the tomb. Akbar's mausoleum is a majestic cimposition of deep red sandstone and marble.

This mausoleum stands in a big garden called as Bahishtabad in an area of 150 acres, and is enclosed by a huge wall about 25 feet high having 4 gates towards all the four sides.

Approach

One can approach the monument from the Southern gate only.

The Garden

The tomb stands in the centre of a vast garden which is enclosed by high walls on all sides. In the middle of each enclosing wall is a monumental gateway. The whole garden is divided into four quarters on the conventional charbagh plan. Each quarter is seperated by a high terrace or raised path with a narrow shallow water channel running at the centre. Each terrace has int he centre, a tank with fountains.

Gateway

The gateway of Akbar's Tomb is extremely beautiful and is situated on the south side. It is made of red sand stone. Its main door was made of sandal wood, which was taken away by the Jats. Formely the roof of this gate was decorated with ssilver and gold, which was taken over by the Jats during their short rule. The ipper storey of the gate has 'Naybat Khana', from where the big kettle drums were played in the morning to evening int he honour of the dead Emperor. The roof has got four couplas marble and red stone, which is surrounded by beautiful 'Kangura work'. The exterior portion is profusely decorated with white marble inlay work. On either sides of the gateway are built court yards of red sandstone, which are called 'Nau-Mahals'.

Jahangiri Sheesh Mahal

Near the main gate of Akbar's Tomb towards the south-east side, is a beautiful building called Sheesh-Mahal or the Palace of Mirror. It was constructed by Jahangir for his beloved consort Noor-Jahan, Its beauty is indescriable but its remains are in a dilapidated condition today.

The Mausoleum

From the main gate to the main building there are stoneways paved with red stone having some small tanks and cannals. The main building is squarish having four stories and about 100 feet high. The first three stories are of red stone, while the fourth one is of white marble, which is a clear evidence that the first three stories of red sandstone were constructed by Akbar, while the fourth one by his son Jahangir. This building has a resemblance with the Panch Mahal of Fatehpur Sikri and both these have a close resemblance of a 'Buddhist Vihar'. The mausoleum proper stands on a marble platform of 496 feet square and 30 feet high.

In the centre of the main building is the grave of Akbar situated on a raised platform, cut out of a single block of marble. There is an inscription on the northern side of the cenotaph which reads like - 'Alla-ho-Akbar' (God is Great), and on the south 'Jatt-e-Jalal Hoo' (Great is His Glory), and around it there are ninety nine names of 'God or Allah' the Almighty, inscribed in stone.

Ground Floor

The ground floor has spacious cloisters on all the four sides except in the middle of the southern side. The cloisters are divided by the numerous bays by massive piers and arches. Each bay measures 22 feet square. A vestibule, which has been ornamented very profusely with exquisite carvings, occupies the centre of the southern side, aritstic paintings and inlay work in geometric and floral designs.the tombstone of Akbar is placed in the middle of this room. Akbar's daughters, Shakrul Nisha Begum and Aram Bano are also entombed in this floor.

First Storey

The first storey has an arcaded verandah on each side, which is composed of 23 bays. The use of an ornamental arch and square pillar has brought about a unique composition.

Second and Third Storeys

These storeys are smaller in size than the ones below it. They have an identical arrangement of arches supported on pillars and chhatris attached on he exterior to each facade.

Fourth Storey

The fourth storey is entirely in white marble as against the lower storeys, which are finished in red stone.

Travel Information

Timing: Sunrise to sunset

Entry Fees: Foreigners - Rs 110/-, Indians - Rs 10/-
Children below 15 years of age are allowed free entry.

Days of opening: Open on all Days