Tomb of Mariam Uz Zamani Agra

 
The mausoleum, known as the Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani, is a significant historical site in Agra. It is the final resting place of Mariam-uz-Zamani, Akbar’s beloved wife and Jahangir’s mother. The Tomb’s unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles makes it stand out from typical Mughal-era tombs. It does not have a dome, which is unusual for Mughal-era architectures, as domes were a common feature. A visit to this Tomb is a journey through the evolution of culture and Mughal architecture. For more information on exploring the city’s rich history, check out this Agra tourism guide.

History

The Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani was built between 1623-1627 by his son, Jahangir as a tribute to her. As per the historians Mariam is also known as Heer Kunwari, Hira Kunwari, Harka Bai, and Jodha Bai. However, ASI, did not mention the exact name of her. Additionally, its historical importance lies in the connection to the Mughal dynasty and the love story of Jodha and Akbar. Hence, this structure offers a unique glimpse into the era’s cultural evolution.

Architecture

The Tomb of Mariam Zamani blends Mughal and Rajput architecture with a simple yet elegant design. Yet its detailed carvings and faint traces of painting on a plastered wall are sights to behold. The overall structure is made of brick and mortar with detailed decorating elements of red sandstone and white marble. This mausoleum is a three-story building; the first is the grave, a cenotaph on the middle floor, and the third is the terrace. The ground floor has around forty chambers with two vast corridors.  It is surrounded by a large garden in the traditional Charbagh (four-part garden) style.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is considered the optimal time to plan your visit. During these months, the climate is cool, and you can enjoy sightseeing without any humidity or heat. For a day trip, it is better to choose early morning or evening to admire the structure with fewer crowds and disturbances.

Note: If you are visiting during summer, try exploring between 4-6 PM or early in the morning.

How to Reach

By Air: Tomb of Mariam Zamani is located 11 km from Agra Airport and from the airport you can hire a taxi, or cab to reach there in 30 minutes.

By Train: This Tomb is 12 km from Agra Cantonment Railway Station and from there you can take bus or auto rickshaw to get there in 35 minutes.

By Road: Yamuna Expressway is a preferable roadway for reaching Agra by road.

Local Transport: After reaching Agra, you can find several ways to get to this tomb.  The local transport options are bus, Uber, Ola, taxis, auto rickshaws, and e-rickshaws. You can choose the way that is convenient for you, and for the short distance, you can also walk or take a cycle rickshaw.

Places to Visit Near Tomb of Mariam-Uz-Zamani

The tomb is surrounded by major Agra tourist attractions such as:

• Taj Mahal  (16 km- 40 min)
• Agra Fort (13.5 km – 30 min)
• Tomb of Itimad-ud Daulah (12 km – 25 min)
• Akbar’s Tomb (1.1 km – 5 min)
• Chini ka Rauza (11 km – 20 min)

For those only interested in spiritual sites, you may read this Agra holy places page.

Travel Tips 

• This site has historical significance, so maintain decorum.
• Bring your camera as you will have numerous chances to catch beautiful sights.
• Early morning and late afternoon visits are recommended for pleasant weather and a less crowded experience.
• Local tour guides are readily available to provide detailed historical insights, typically charging between INR 300 and 800.

For a hassle-free visit, kindly go through our different travel packages of Agra, which include visits to the Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani and other prominent sites.