Chini ka Rauza is one of the important monuments of Agra. It's a mausoleum that is situated in Itmadpur, at one km distance from tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah and is very close to Taj Mahal. Located at the eastern bank of river Yamuna, the tomb is dedicated to Allama Afzal Khan.
Mulla Shukrullah Shirazi or Afzal Khan was then prime minister in the court of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and was also a famous poet. He wrote poetry under the pseudonym of 'Allami'. It is said that he built his own mausoleum following the tartary tradition, in 1639 with elaborate ornamentation. He selected glazed tiles as the medium to create the beautiful monument that would distinct his tomb forever from others. Every part of this unique monument is adorned with bold color schemes and the material known as porcelain. The name was given to it because porcelain from which the glazed tiles are made is also known as Chini Mitti or Chinese clay and said to be brought from China.
The monument justifying its name is made with glazed tiles china and mud. The tomb is built with combination of Afghan style and Persian architecture and is the only monument in India that is built with this unique combination. The whole building was built in rectangular shape with colorful tiles and brown stones. The original tomb was splendid and the walls are decorated with various Islamic inscriptions.
Most of the tomb is in ruins and only major parts of the main tomb survived. The original tomb had two gates, one in north and the other in south. The shape of tower was octagonal and rose as a three storeyed tower near the ghat. Each side of the tomb is about 79-feet-long. The central chamber has eight arched divisions which include four square openings and four pentagonal arches going into all four directions. This central chamber is connected to four other chambers in each corner that has side halls or porches. The upper part is constructed in a way that gives a double-storey effect to the building. The dome that crowns the building displays an inverted lotus and a kalash on the top of center and all four corners.
Both interior and exterior of the tomb displays its unique architecture with colorful intricate work is found in the brackets, balcony and on chajja. The arches of the tomb are decorated with intricate designs including orange and blue tiles. The inscription on each side of the central part of the building is done in blue colored tiles and is bordered with green, yellow and blue tiles making beautiful patterns while the spandrels are decorated with orange and blue tiles set in floral and arabesque patterns. There is a combination of orange, white and crimson tiles making zigzag pattern on the shafts of the arches, while on the pinnacle of chevrons is adorned with band of blue tiles. Remaining spaces are filled with blue, orange and green floral designs. Almost whole of the building was covered with glazed tiles of different hues and shades, most part of which is partially damaged.
History
Chini Ka Rauza was built in 1635 during the period of Shah Jahan. It is a funerary monument built in the memory of the great poet and scholar Allama Afzal Khan. It is also among the first monuments to be decorated with glazed tile work. From this it derived its name, as porcelain is also known as Chini Mitti (Chinese clay) in many parts of India. It is said that Allama Afzal Khan built the tomb during his lifetime.
Architecture of Chini ka Rauza
The rectangular building of Chini ka Rauza has striking features, most alluring of which are the turquoise, orange, yellow and green coloured tiles also known as kashi or chini. Its dome has been elevated to give a two-storeyed effect to the building. The chief chamber is octagonal in shape, has eight arched clefts and is connected to the four side halls. Built-in Afghan style architecture, Chini ka Rauza is believed to be the only building in India with Persian architectural designs. The interiors of the shrine are adorned with intricate paintings and inscriptions from the Quran.
Best time to visit in Chini ka Rauza
The monument is open throughout the day and throughout the week. The best time to visit the monument is during winter. Winter provides excellent climate, which suits sightseeing.
How to Reach Chini ka Rauza
Chini ka Rauza is situated very close to Taj Mahal and just 1 km away from Itmad- ud- Daulah Tomb in Ram Bagh, and can be reached in auto rickshaws, or electric rickshaws or local rickshaws easily. Agra also has the option of covering small distances in tongas; you can avail that. If you are slightly far off, you can hire a taxi cab or use interstate buses running from everywhere to everywhere across the city.
