Itmad-Ud-Daulah

Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the “Baby Taj,” is not just a Mughal mausoleum, but a profound symbol of love and respect. Constructed between 1622 and 1628 by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, it was intended as a burial place for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, the chief minister of the Mughal Empire. The Mughal title Itmad-ud-Daulah, which translates to “Pillar of the State,” was a fitting tribute to Mirza Ghiyas Beg's significant role in the empire. This tomb, diverging from previous Mughal architecture, became a precursor to the iconic Taj Mahal, further cementing its historical importance.

The Itmad-ud-Daulah is an excellent example of a fusion of Persian and Mughal architectural styles. The tomb is situated within a large cruciform garden that divides the tomb from the surrounding land. The structure is a square, laid out on a plinth, with an intricate lattice of semi-precious stones set within white marble. Sandstone, a characteristic element of the previous Mughal structures was replaced by a new distinct feature, the application of the white marble deriving from the marble quarry of Makrana in Rajasthan, which reciprocated the grand building in Indian architecture. The tomb is famous for its delicate marble lattice screens and elaborate stone inlay work. Throughout the structure is conventional pietra dura and fine specimens of gemstone work can be found in the lattice screens of marble’s openwork areas.

 

The tomb is celebrated for its marble latticework screens and its shallow relief pietra dura. The pietra dura technique, a form of decorative art, involves inlaying semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, jasper, onyx, and topaz into white marble, creating detailed patterns of fronds and geometrical designs. Pietra dura was nevertheless a new technique, having just been presented in India by Persian specialists.

The Itmad-ud-Daulah structure site covers a 23,000-square-meter area. Most of the land is covered by Charbagh-style gardens, a traditional Persian and Islamic quadrilateral garden layout that symbolizes the four gardens of Paradise, making it an impressive part of this area.

For those planning a visit, it's important to note that the current 2024 Itmad-ud-Daulah entry fee is INR 210 for foreigners and INR 20 for locals. Children under the age of 15 may enter without charge. However, as these details are subject to change, it's advisable to order tickets and gather information before your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Itmad-ud-Daulah may be visited in the cold from October to March. This season is delightful for walking about the gardens and studying the tomb’s stunning details without becoming too hot and bothered. 

Generally, Itmad-ud-Daulah is open from sunrise to sunset every day. The hours of operation are from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but early in the morning and late in the afternoon are the best times to visit, without being part of the mob.

The best season is winter, which runs from November to February, when the weather is most ideal. At this season, the skies are clear, the air refreshing, making it a satisfaction to meander amidst the building and photo shoot.