Often overshadowed by the Taj Mahal, the Itmad-ud-Daula tomb in Agra is an architectural gem built by Empress Noor Jahan for her parents. Completed in 1628, four years before construction on the Taj Mahal began, this exquisite white marble mausoleum is often referred to as the "Baby Taj" due to its smaller scale. However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its intricate pietra dura inlay work and elegant design.
Noor Jahan’s use of white marble was groundbreaking at the time, setting a trend that would later inspire her stepson Shah Jahan's construction of the Taj Mahal. The tomb’s design, featuring a char bagh garden, jali windows, and octagonal towers, marked a significant shift in Mughal architecture. It was also the first Mughal structure to extensively use white marble, making it a precursor to the Taj Mahal.
Although nicknamed the "Baby Taj," the Itmad-ud-Daula tomb stands as a testament to Noor Jahan’s architectural brilliance and power. This small yet magnificent structure remains a symbol of her legacy and the enduring impact she had on Mughal architecture and Indian history.
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