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Chini Ka Rauza in Agra, Chini Ka Rauza Tour, Tours to Chini Ka Rauza Agra, Monuments at Chini Ka Rauza

Introduction:

Mulla Shukrullah Shirazi was the Prime Minister of Mughal emperor Shah Jehah and also a famous poet. He composed poetry under the pseudonym of 'Allami'. He took fancy to building his own mausoleum in 1639 with elaborate ornamentation. He chose glazed tiles as his medium to create the masterpiece that would enshrine his tomb forever. Every portion of this unique monument is profusely adorned with bright color schemes, known as 'Chini ka Rauza'. Chini ka Rauza is a classic example of the Persian influence on Mughal architecture of that period. The tomb was constructed in 1635. Originally high walls enclosed this entire building complex, and there were gateways in North and South direction, along with two multistoried towers but now only the main Tomb building has survived.

The tomb of Allama Afzal Khan, Chini ka Rauza, derives its name from the colorful tiles (chini) that cover the walls of the tomb. The blue, green and yellow tiles that embellish this medieval Indian mausoleum constitute its most remarkable feature. In fact this glazed tile decoration dominates the entire architectural composition of this building.

Other prominent features of this building include presence of an Afghan-style bulbous dome, and beautiful decoration with geometric and floral arabesque in multi-colored glazed tiles. Despite the dilapidated condition of the building, the unique glazed-tile decoration of the building is worth watching.

The main tomb is square in plan with 79 feet (8.48m) side. The central chamber is in octagonal plan having diameter of 27'10" (8.48m), with eight arched recesses. Out of these eight arched recesses, four are pentagonal arched which are close and rest of the four are square which provides openings on all four sides. There are four square chambers, one at every corner, which are inter connected with the side halls or porches on all four sides.

The upper part of the tomb contains an arched passage which is three feet (94 cm) wide and opens on all the four corners into four rooms just above the lower corner chambers and gives a double storeyed effect to the tomb building. This passage was accessible by a stairway on the southern side which ultimately leads to terrace. The superstructure of the building includes a shallow dome which is crowned by inverted lotus and kalash finial, and pinnacles on all the four corners.