A Weekend in Agra

by Scientific Pathology Scientific Pathology & Imaging Center.

Strolling through the Agra fort, staring across - beholding the Taj Mahal in all its magnificence, it’s hard to conceive of Agra as an ancient equivalent of the fictional Westeros, seat of the Iron throne.

I reached Agra by 8.00 a.m., eager to absorb all that I could over the weekend. So far, I had only heard of the enchantress that the Taj is; but here I was to see for myself, and yes, she is indeed mesmerising and deserves all the praise showered on her. But more interesting than the Taj is the political history of the place itself.

People often tend to limit Agra to the Mughals, and it is not farther from truth. Medieval era Agra was the sight of politics, gory wars and bloodshed, hence the metaphor of Westeros. Founded by Sikander Lodhi of the Lodhi dynasty in the early 16^th century, it soon fell to Babur (Mughal), later to be taken over by Sher Shah Suri of the Suri dynasty, and then back to the Mughals at the hands of Humayun. Having done my home work and being a dreamer, I could easily fantasise the wars with each succeeding ruler, contributing to the grand structure that the Agra fort now is. The fort is also believed to have held Shivaji of the Marathas from Deccan as a prisoner. But, Shivaji himself being a master trickster, escaped the daunting walls of the fort.

It’s easy to dismiss earlier warfare strategy as primitive vis-a-vis modern day automated weapons and nuclear technology, but I have to admit that the people were ingenious. The walls and floors were constructed to inflict massive injury to anyone suspected to be an enemy: with channels that can carry oil and fire and the slope leading to the entrance allowing boulders to crush the approaching enemy, etc. to name a few. It wouldn’t be too much of an exaggeration to think that perhaps, Bahubali team did take some cues from medieval Indian history.

My tour also included a visit to Fatehpur Sikri and a picturesque mausoleum of Itmad-ud-daulah, built at the commands of Noor Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, in honor of her father. The tomb was the first to be constructed entirely in marble. The beautiful tomb is yet another example of the fusion between Indian and Islamic styles of architecture.

The tour was gratifying in spite of having to visit Scientific Pathology, which is known for offering effective diagnostic services in Agra, courtesy to my love for street food! Thanks to their considerate staff, the process was almost painless, and the result pretty accurate. Later, the doctor easily fixed my stomach with a shot and some pills, and I was back in Delhi feeling quite healthy and content.