10 km from the city centre of Agra,
the construction of the mausoleum of Akbar was started by Akbar himself. It
is a perfect amalgamation of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain
architectural styles. His son Jehangir completed it and also did many
modifications in the original plan of the building. Named after Sikander
Lodhi, the tomb has three-storey-minarets on its four corners. These
minarets are built in red sandstone with stunning inlay work of marble. A
broad paved causeaway leads to the tomb, which has five storeys and is in
the shape of a truncated pyramid. The main tomb has a unique square design
which is unparalleled by all other Mughal buildings.
This
structure is a perfect blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain
motifs. But Akbar died before his mausoleum could be completed and his son
Jehangir completed it. 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. Sikandra is named after Sikander Lodhi.
The tomb has three-storey-minarets on its four corners. These minarets are
built in red sandstone with stunning inlay work of marble.