Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj)

Overview

Itimad-ud-Daulah is a tomb on the east bank of the Yamuna in Agra, built between 1622 and 1628 by the empress Nur Jahan for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who held the title Itimad-ud-Daulah, "Pillar of the State". He was also the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal.

It is often called the Baby Taj. It was the first Mughal tomb faced entirely in marble, and its walls are covered in pietra dura inlay and carved latticework, marking the shift from red sandstone to white marble that led to the Taj Mahal.

What to look for

• The pietra dura inlay in floral and geometric patterns
• The pierced marble screens (jalis) that filter the light
• The decorated interior chamber
• The riverside garden and the view across the Yamuna

Visiting tips

• It is small and quiet, so it works well as a stop before or after the Taj Mahal.
• Allow about an hour.
• Morning or late afternoon light is kindest on the marble.

Why visit with a private guide

A private guide shows you where to stand, when to arrive and what most visitors miss at Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj), and fits the visit around the rest of your day.

More photographs

Nearby

Agra Fort Taj Mahal Buland Darwaza Mehtab Bagh (Taj view) Akbar's Tomb Prem Mandir Salim Chishti Tomb