[Solved] Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daula: The 'Baby Taj' by Nur Jahan

Itmad-ud-Daula's tomb at Agra was built by-

[48th-52nd BPSC (Pre) 2008]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

This tomb marks a revolutionary shift in Mughal architecture—the transition from red sandstone to pure white marble and the introduction of delicate gemstone inlays.

Authentic Source Evidence

The tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah (Mirza Ghiyas Beg) was built by his daughter, Empress Nur Jahan, between 1622 and 1628. It is the first Mughal structure to be built entirely of white marble and the first to feature Pietra Dura (stone inlay) on a large scale.

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Mirza Ghiyas Beg was the father of Nur Jahan and the Prime Minister of Jahangir, making this a highly personal family project.

Logic 2: Because of its architectural features and scale, it is affectionately known as the 'Baby Taj' or the 'Draft of the Taj Mahal'.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What is Pietra Dura?"

It is a decorative art technique of inlaying polished colored gemstones into white marble to create floral or geometric patterns.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daula symbolizes the peak of Nur Jahan's power, as she used the imperial treasury to build the most sophisticated tomb of its era for her family."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Mirza Ghiyas Beg 2 Pietra Dura 4

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