Mohd Arslan

Frame from the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula…
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When the new capital of Emperor Shah Jahan was established, the emperor ordered the construction of a grand mosque, which would be the largest and most beautiful of all the existing mosques. Special care was taken to ensure that the dignity of the mosque was not compromised which is the house of Allah. Keeping this in mind, the “Mimbar” of the mosque was made higher than the throne (Nasheman-i-zile-ilahi) of the emperor.

This mosque was built on the Bhojila hill near the fort. It was built with bright red stone and white marble. Its design became a model for later mosques built in North India. This mosque was named Masjid-i-Jahanuma. A mosque commands a view of the world. According to the historians of that period, the construction of the mosque cost around 10 lakh rupees, which does not include the money for the material used to build the mosque. So this means that 10 lakh rupees could possibly be the expenditure to be paid to the laborers. When the foundation of the mosque was being laid, it was said that only the one who has never missed a single prayer has always been present at the time of “Takbir-e-Ula” (the call to prayer begins) and has never missed Namaz Tahajjud can lay the first stone of the mosque. Then Emperor Shah Jahan said, Alhamdulillah, I have never missed these 3 things till date. And in this way, the emperor laid the foundation of this mosque with his own hands. Which became a center of culture for the Muslims of Northern India. Despite suffering a great loss in the revolution of 1857, it still stands proudly and can be seen from miles away even today. 
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Eid ul-Adha (feast of sacrifice), also known as Bakra Eid or Eid al-Adha, is a major Islamic festival that marks the commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s absolute dedication to Allah. Eid ul Adha is celebrated by Muslims all around the world in the month of Dhul Hijjah on the final day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
 
The history of Eid ul Adha dates back to when Abraham, or Prophet Ibrahim AS, had a recurring dream of sacrificing his beloved son, Ismael, to fulfill God’s commands. Ibrahim spoke to his son about the dream, explaining how God wanted him to make the sacrifice, and Ismael, who was also a man of God, agreed with his father and asked him to obey Allah’s instructions. Shaitan (the demon) approached Ibrahim and attempted to dissuade him from making the sacrifice, but he rejected it by pelting it with stones. Allah recognized Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion and sent Jibreel (Angel Gabriel), the Archangel, with a sheep to slay.
 
Jibreel informed Ibrahim that God was happy with his dedication to him and had sent the sheep to be slaughtered instead of his son. Since then, livestock sacrifice has been an important feature of Eid-ul-Adha celebrations, not only to honor Prophet Ibrahim and Ismael’s devotion to Allah but also to demonstrate that one is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice of what they value most for the service of Allah.
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Wrestling in Mughal India...
During the Mughal era in India, wrestling, known as Pehlwani or Kushti, held significant cultural and social importance beyond its military applications and courtly entertainment. Originating from the amalgamation of native Indian Malla-yuddha and Persian Koshti, it evolved into a prestigious sport under Mughal patronage. Emperors like Babur and Jahangir not only practiced wrestling themselves but also celebrated and promoted it. Wrestlers were highly esteemed and often showered with lavish gifts, titles, and estates as rewards for their prowess. We have an interesting example from wrestler Sher Ali (Image 2 Sher Ali Tomb). The ruler of Bijapur sent some of the best swordsmen and wrestlers to the Mughal court as a gift for the 11th accession year of Jahangir. And Sher Ali was one of those men. 
All these people were tested in court, and when Sher Ali defeated the most famous wrestler of the Imperial Capital, the Emperor was very impressed with him and gave him many rewards and a jagir, as well as the title of Pehalwan Payatakht (Wrestler of the Imperial Capital). With the arrival of Shah Jahan, his jagirs increased, and he was honored with the title of Pahalwan Surkh Darvish. Sher Ali was one of the notable figures of his time, whose tomb was situated at Agra’s Devari Road commonly famous as “Gumbad Takht Pehalwan”. Some illegal enchrouments have been made adjacent to his tomb. This tomb is built on a high platform. The tombstone is missing in the chamber containing the grave. There is a dome over it, and small turrets are built on its corners. This tomb remains closed, and its gate is locked. No tourists come here.

Image 1 : Emperor Shah Jahan Watching A Wrestling Match - C1750 - Mir Kalan Khan - Mughal Miniature Art Indian Painting

Image 2 : Tomb of Sher Ali commonly famous as “Gumbad Takht Pehalwan”…
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Caption by : M S Chaudhary
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Royal Cemetery of Agra (आगरा का शाही क़ब्रिस्तान)
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Panchkuiya Kabristan (Cemetery) is believed to be Asia’s biggest cemetery. It spread to more than 100 acres. The structure of some tombs shows that the cemetery came into existence in the 15th century during Lodi rule. Many princes, nobles, Islamic scholars, Sufi saints, and famous personalities of their times are buried here. 
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Another poetry of Love❤️: Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula…
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Frames of Carvanserai at Fatehpur Sikri…
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The Caravanserai in Fatehpur Sikri is well-preserved, with a central courtyard surrounded by arched chambers. This Carvaan Serai is located between Hathipol and Hiran Minar, just outside Fatehpur Sikri’s Imperial Complex.
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Sunset view from Agra fort…
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A Shia Ulema who executed by Jahangir.

Today I am going to tell you about the most important holy shrine of the Shia community in Agra. 
The shrine of Qazi Nuruallah Shustri (1549-1610), commonly known as Shahid-i-Salis (the third martyr).

He belongs to the Imamah (authority of the imams) he was born Shustar (Iran) he was one of the most important Nobel laureates of the time of Akbar.
He came to Lahore during the time of Akbar. Because of his spirituality, many students came near him to learn. When Akbar learned about this thing, the Emperor offered him the post of Qazi-ul-Quza in Lahore (justice).
And he accepted this offer of the emperor.

He did his job perfectly and took very strict action against those who took bribes (Rishwat). He wrote multiple books; he was a great poet as well.
 
 
The best thing about his job as a Qazi-ul-Quzaa was that whatever sect of person he judged, he did so by giving reference to the book of his belief.
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Read more in Comment Box….
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An unseen frame of the Tajmahal…
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A beautiful frame from Tajmahal❤️…
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Frame from Itmad-ud-daula’s Tomb…
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The TajCow❤️…
(One of my most favorite frame)…
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An European masterpiece living in the heart of India…
📍: Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior…
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❤️✨…
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After 30 days of fasting, Eid-ul-Fitr (the festival of breaking the fast) is celebrated all over the world. “Eid,” which itself means celebration, but when we talk about Eid in India, the cultural diversity of this subcontinent makes it more special.
Especially Ramadan in Delhi, When Shahjahan moved his Capital to Delhi (Shahjahanbad) So many such customs started in Ramadan which are a integral part of our life even today.

However, i found many brief descriptions of Ramadan and Eid during the reign of Shahjahan, a person who immortalized his name in history by building historical buildings.
Come, let us shed some light on the Eid of the first accession year of Shahjahan.

The year was 1628, the first accession year of Emperor Shahjahan. That year, the Eid moon appeared on the evening of June 3rd. tting the news of the moon’s appearance, drums of joy were played. Next morning, all the princes, noble courtiers, and all the big officials gathered in the public hall and offered their greetings to the Emperor. From here, a procession started, and it headed towards the Royal Eidgah (pic 2) of Agra (it is said that this Eidgah was built by Shahjahan in 40 days). From the palace to the Eidgah, gold was scattered among the people. It was an awe-inspiring procession, and not only the Muslims even other communities of the city even people of the nearby villages were eager to get a glimpse of their Emperor. The route of this procession was well secured by the soldiers.The procession was slowly moving towards the Eidgah. The procession was growing further, in which the horses were wearing golden shackles and the elephants were wearing golden howdahs. The horses and elephants were decorated with clothes made of Zardozi (gold embroidery on cloth).After many hours, this procession reached the Shahi Eidgah. The Emperor and his subjects prostrated (bowed their heads on the ground) before Allah. 
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Read more in comment box….
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Last Iftar Gathering of this Ramadan…
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InshaAllah, may we all be fortunate enough to see Ramadan Mubarak next year as well. Remember in your Dua and pray for Palestine…
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Aesthetics of Ramadan 2024…
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Pic 1 : Iftaar ft. Tajmahal
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Pic 2: Fajr at Fatehpuri Masjid
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Pic 3 : Shab-i-Qadr
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Pic 4 : (Kadam Rasool) Foot print of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W
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🌙

Maghrib 🌅…
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The first Mosque of Agra (Masjid Kalan)…
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Masjid Kalan situated nearby Sabun Katra, Agra…
It is said that this is the first mosque of Agra. And also believed to have been this was built in the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodi, And a person who commissioned this mosque his grave inside the mosque’s basement.
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But According to the another theory this was built by Muzaffar Hussain safavi an important noble man in Emperor Akbar’s court. It would not be appropriate to say anything without any proper reference, nor it would be right to say this is the first mosque of Agra.
But it would be not wrong to say this is the First Jama Masjid of Agra…

Photographs of Sunday’s Iftar…
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̇ftar 🌙

فجر 🌅….
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(Frames form Fathehpuri Masjid, Agra)
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Don’t repost….
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Ramadan Mubarak to all of you…
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Havelis and Kuche of Akbarabad (Streets of Old Agra)…
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Frame of Qutub Minar from Alai Darwaza…
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🗼

Tajmahal is famous as a symbol of love in the entire world. Everyone knows that the Fifth Mughal Emperor Shahabuddin Mohammad Shahjahan built this edifice for his beloved companion Mumtaz Mahal. On the other hand, Humayun’s Tomb was built centuries before the Tajmahal. The tomb of Nasiruddin Mohammed Humayun, the second Emperor of the Mughal Empire, was built by his widow, Bega Begum (Hajji Begum), in 1569–70, 14 years after his death, at a cost of 1.5 million rupees. Now the mention came of Bega Begum, I remembered a story related to her, which was noted by Gulbadan Begum (Humayun’s sister). 
Before the battle with Sher Khan, Humayun spent a month in the ‘gold-scattered’ garden outside Agra. Humayun and his family set up their camps in the garden. Humayun himself personally went to inspect those camps and meet everyone.
Humayun gave the highest priority to Babar’s daughters and his widows.
‘When he used to go to the house of some lady or sister’
‘All the begums in his society were like his mothers, sisters and daughters.’ That’s why Humayun.
He would not go alone to meet women but would meet the entire group of women, sisters, daughters etc. And as they kept meeting, women started joining them.
Harman’s women used to spend good time with Humayun.
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Read more in Comment Section…
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“Nurjahan Ka Madarsa” a palace brought from Red Fort to Deeg…
A beautiful white marble structure decorated with floral motifs of Pietra Dura named Suraj Bhawan is commonly known as “Nurjahan ka Madarsa (School of Nurjahan). And it is believed to have been brought from Delhi or Agra after the defeat of Mughal forces.
I was also shocked when I heard this first: how it’s possible, how they can bring the whole palace? So the theory behind this is that they dismantled the whole palace and brought it to Deeg, which later reconstructed it. It’s a one-story structure andIts architectural styles and details are similar to Shahjahan’s-era architecture. And it is said that once Mughal princes used to study here. But there is no proper evidence that it was brought from Delhi or Agra. But ASI also mentions that this structure may have been reconstructed more than once. 
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Don’t repost❌
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Some Beautiful frames of Shab-e-Ba’arat✨….
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📍: Jama Masjid, Agra…
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Do not repost…
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Noorjahan Ka Jhula (Noorjahan’s swing),which is kept in the Jal Mahal of Deeg, the old capital of Bharatpur state. Local guides here often tell us that this white marble arch used to be the swing of Noorjahan Begum. When the Jats defeated Ghazi Uddin II (1753), they plundered in Delhi, and many things from the Red Fort were brought from Delhi to Deeg, the capital of the Bharatpur state. This swing was also one of those things. Which was decorated in Deeg Mahal as a trophy of victory, which still exists today. It is a marble arch with iron hooks on its inner surface, which proves that it must have been a swing. But how ? Is this a swing of the era of Emperor Jahangir’s Begum Noorjahan, or might there have been some other woman named Noorjahan in Delhi during the 1750s? But I thought of asking the palace staff about it. Here I met an elderly ASI employee whom I asked, and he told me. This is a part of the swing of Jahangir’s Begum Noorjahan, which was brought from Agra after the capture (1761). However, according to the inscription written on it, without mentioning the name of any Mughal emperor (4 Juloos), it means 4 years of coronation (1041 Hirji), which is the year during the reign of Shahjahan (circa 1631). But the pietra dura designs on the edges of the inscription match the pattern of the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula, father of Nur Jahan Begum. Let us assume that this Jhula might have been built for Noor Jahan during the reign of Shah Jahan, but Noor Jahan Begum lived in Lahore, not in Agra, during the reign of Shah Jahan. And she died (1645) even before Shahjahan moved his capital (Darul Hukumat) from Agra (Akbarabad) to Delhi (Shahjahanabad). But the inscription date is the fourth year of Shahjahan’s reign; hence, Shahjahan’s ownership of this swing can be accepted. Now, what is the reality of this swing? Only Shahjahan and the Begums living in that period would know. But there are more things here, which we will talk about in the next post.
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