Chini ka Rauza in Agra is known for housing the tomb of Allama Afzhal Khan Mullah. He was a poet and a scholar also the prime minister of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Built in 1635, the tomb stands as a memory of this great scholar from a great time. Chini Ka Rauza is located at a distance of one kilometer north of Itmad –Ud-Daulah tomb which lies on the eastern bank of Yamuna River in Agra.
The monument is a standing example of the finest glazed tile work. The style of glaze work is called Kashi or Chini in Mughal era buildings. It was during the reign of Shah Jahan that his monument came into being. Allam Afzhal Khan Mullah of Shiraz was the poet and scholar who later went on to be the prime minister of Shah Jahan.
The indo Persian architecture of the tomb is considered a milestone. It is the first of its kind, a building with tile work that looks majestic in India, hence the hype about its importance in Indian monuments. The colorfultile of Chini is distinctive and makes the tomb appear special. In fact the tile work adds to an important feature of the tomb. The mausoleum gets its name from the tile work on the tomb mainly. Brown stone was used in constructing this monument. The walls of the tomb have been embellished with inscriptions and colored tiles that add a distinctive look to the monument.
As you move towards the central chamber of the tomb that comprises of 8 curved recesses and is octagonal in shape, there are 4 square chambers that are linked with the hall in the corner and outside porches. The Afghan style rounded dome is the significant feature of the tomb. It comprises of inscription from Islamic texts.
In close vicinity you have Agra fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah,TajMahal as major tourist attractions. Every portion of the monument is unique. Start from the color coordination to the embellishments and use of inscriptions that add a calligraphic creativity on the walls- all make the monument a majestic mausoleum. In fact Shah Jahan too fancied building his own mausoleum hence it is no doubt how his prime minister would not have been interested in one for himself.
The exteriors of Chini Ka Rauza have seen a bit of wear and tear and loss of color but the surroundings have been well maintained to make it appear pleasant and convenient for tourists and visitors touring the area.
