Agra

Agra
Yann (talk) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	Agra
Type	City
State	Uttar Pradesh
District	Agra
Latitude	27.18
Longitude	78.02

Agra is a city located on the banks of the Yamuna River in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, near the city of Mathura and the town of Firozabad. The city is home to numerous Mughal Empire monuments, including the famous Taj Mahal, which was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is also close to the city of Delhi, the capital of India, and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world, including United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officials who have designated the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is well-connected to other major cities in India, including Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, through the Indian Railways network.

Geography

Agra is situated in the Doab region, which is the area between the Ganges River and the Yamuna River. The city has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cool winters, and is close to the Rajasthan border, near the city of Jaipur. The Yamuna River flows through the city, providing water for irrigation and drinking purposes, and is also a popular spot for boat rides and other water activities, similar to those found in Varanasi and Haridwar. Agra is also near the Chambal River, which is known for its National Chambal Sanctuary, a protected area for Gharial and other wildlife, and is home to several Indian National Parks, including the Keoladeo National Park.

History

Agra has a rich and diverse history, dating back to the Mughal Empire period, when it was the capital of the empire under the rule of Babur, Humayun, and Akbar. The city was also an important center of trade and commerce during the Mughal Empire period, with merchants from Samarkand, Bukhara, and other cities in Central Asia coming to trade in goods such as silk, spices, and precious stones. Agra was also a major center of learning and culture, with scholars and poets such as Abul Fazl and Faiz Sirhind living and working in the city, and was influenced by the Sufi movement, which was popular in Delhi and other parts of India. The city was also an important center of Sikh history, with Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus visiting the city, and is close to the city of Amritsar, which is home to the Golden Temple.

Demographics

Agra has a population of over 1.7 million people, according to the 2011 Census of India, with a diverse population of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. The city has a high population density, with an average of over 1,000 people per square kilometer, and is a major urban center in the state of Uttar Pradesh, with a large number of universities and colleges, including the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University and the Dayalbagh Educational Institute. Agra is also home to a large number of migrants from other parts of India, including Bihar, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, who come to the city in search of work and better living conditions, similar to those found in Mumbai and Delhi.

Economy

Agra has a diverse economy, with a mix of agriculture, industry, and services. The city is a major center of agriculture in the state of Uttar Pradesh, with crops such as wheat, rice, and sugarcane being grown in the surrounding areas, and is also a major producer of marble and other stones, which are used in the construction industry, similar to those found in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Agra is also home to a number of industries, including textiles, leather goods, and handicrafts, which are exported to other parts of India and around the world, including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. The city is also a major center of tourism, with millions of visitors coming to the city each year to visit the Taj Mahal and other historical monuments, and is a major contributor to the economy of India.

Tourism

Agra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, with millions of visitors coming to the city each year to visit the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, and other historical monuments, including the Fatehpur Sikri and the Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb. The city is also home to a number of hotels and resorts, ranging from budget-friendly guest houses to luxury five-star hotels, such as the Taj Hotel and the Oberoi Hotel. Agra is also a popular destination for cruise tourism, with many cruise ships visiting the city each year, and is close to the city of Varanasi, which is a major center of spiritual tourism in India. The city is also home to a number of festivals and events, including the Taj Mahotsav and the Agra Festival, which are celebrated each year to promote the city's rich cultural heritage, similar to those found in Jaipur and Udaipur.

Culture

Agra has a rich and diverse culture, with a mix of Mughal, Hindu, and Islamic influences. The city is home to a number of historical monuments, including the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort, and the Fatehpur Sikri, which are examples of Mughal architecture and are considered to be some of the most beautiful buildings in the world, similar to those found in Delhi and Jaipur. Agra is also a major center of classical music and dance, with many musicians and dancers performing in the city each year, and is home to a number of festivals and events, including the Taj Mahotsav and the Agra Festival, which are celebrated each year to promote the city's rich cultural heritage, and is close to the city of Lucknow, which is known for its Urdu literature and poetry. The city is also home to a number of museums, including the Taj Museum and the Agra Museum, which showcase the city's rich history and culture, and is a major contributor to the cultural heritage of India. Category:Cities in India