Chini ka Rauza Agra

Chini ka Rauza Agra India This tomb is a memorial dedicated to Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz, who was a Persian poet-scholar and later the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. Chini Ka Rauza is an Afzal Khan creation, who was a high official in the court of Shah Jahan. It is decorated with glazed tiles on the facade and depicts the Persian influence on Mughal architecture.

Built in 1635, Chini-ka-rauza is situated at a distance of less than one kilometer north of Itmad-ud-daulah on the same side of the Yamuna. Neglected and decaying, its soft brown stone is exposed to the elements and is now crumbling away into the riverbank. Topped with an Afghan-style bulbous dome, the dull earth-coloured tomb is a far cry from Nur Jahan's delicate work, but is distinctive as Agra's sole Persian construction. Parts of the walls are still covered with the coloured enamel tiles (chini) that once enhanced the whole of the exterior and gave the tomb its name, while traces of paintings and Islamic calligraphy can still be made out on the high domed ceiling. It is a rectangular structure, having beautiful title work in glazing colours, and is surrounded by a great bulbous dome. On the top of the chamber some Quranic texts are inscribed on it. Although it is in a dilapidated condition, but still its craftsmanship is worth seeing. There are two cenotaphs in its middle, one of Shukruilahtered irt the service of Jahangir in 1618 A.D. and became the Finance minister of Shah Jahan, who died in Lahore in 1639 A.D. His dead body was brought from Lahore and was graved here.

History of Chini Ka Rauza
Chini-Ka-Rauza The tomb of Afzal Khan, an important poet and the wazir of Shah Jahan's court, Chini-Ka-Rauza is an interesting architectural landmark. Built in the latter half of the 17th century, it is one of the first buildings to feature an entirely Persian-style of architecture with glazed tiles decorating its exterior. The tiles used for decorating the monument were imported from China, hence the name of the monument. Multi-colored tiles were used to decorate the tomb's exteriors. Each of the central arches of the tomb's four sides feature blue-colored tiles inscribed with verses and bordered by yellow and green tiles. The walls are adorned with tiles set in floral patterns and other designs.

Architecture of Chini Ka Rauza
Chini-Ka-Rauza ArchitectureChini ka Rauza monument Agra 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.