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Agra is famous for its mughal architecture. The Mughal sense of beauty and buildings are evident all round the city. The Taj Mahal gardens that were built by Mughals are also the splendid example of taste and sense of architecture at that time. Mehtab Bagh is one of such structures.
Mehtab Bagh is typical Charbagh complex located in Agra. It is built at northern side of the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal but on the other bank of Yamuna River, at the plains that are filled by floods during rainy season. The shape of whole garden complex is a square, and measures around 300x300 square meters which can be translated to approx 980 ft by 980 ft and is completely in sync with the Taj Mahal situated at the opposite side. During the monsoon, these grounds become partially flooded.
The Mughals built eleven gardens on the side of Yamuna River. Ram Bagh was the first and the Mehtab Bagh garden was the last of these. The emperor noted this crescent-shaped flood plain covered with grass around the Yamuna River and found it a great location to view the Taj Mahal from some distance. He then conceptualized it as a pleasure garden filled with moonlight and name it Mehtab Bagh. Fruit trees and flowers were planted while constructing walkways made of white plaster, fountains and pools, airy pavilions as an integral part of this garden. The design of the garden presents it as an inseparable portion of Taj Mahal and its surrounding complex in the pattern of riverfront terrace. Few of its proportions, such as its width was similar to that of the Taj Mahal. Mehtab Bagh came later in the possession of King of Amber, Raja Man Singh Kacchawa. He was also the owner of the land circumscribing Taj Mahal.
History of Mehtab Bagh
Although the width of the garden is aligned with the width of Taj Mahal, Mehtab Bagh was not built for Taj Mahal, it was literally the opposite. This garden has been in the city, several centuries before Taj Mahal appeared. This as the garden built in 16th century by Babur. This garden was tagged as the ‘moonlit pleasure garden’. This garden has kept its beauty for several centuries as; even Shah Jahan admired the garden. From this spot, he chose the right spot for his Taj Mahal.
This garden was originally designed to be a Persian styled Char bagh Complex. This original design had reflecting pools, pavilions, water fountains and much more. However, in the early 20th century, due to the floods of River Yamuna, the garden was damaged and turned into nothing by a large pile of sand.
By the end of the century, when the garden was almost forgottenand the archaeological department evacuated the spot to find the ground work for the rumored ‘Black Taj Mahal’. However, they found the Charbagh complex buried under the sand. Today, ASI is striving to replicate and bring the garden to its ancient glory. Citrus trees, guava trees, hibiscus and other trees local to Mughal reign are planted in the region.
Architecture of Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is a typical Mughal styled garden with four garden layout. The garden is square shaped and measures 300 meters on each side. According to the inscriptions found on the site of the garden, there were many gardens aligned to this, but did not survive the passage of time.
The compound of the garden is made of a mixture of red sandstone cladding, brick and lime plaster. The walls are 289m height. The domed tower inside the garden is made with red sandstone and is octagonal in shape. It is believed that the garden had four towers, one on each corner. However, only the tower on the southeast side remains. There is a small Dalit shrine near the entrance, on the riverside. The main element of the garden is a large octagonal pond, which is located to the south of the garden. This pond reflects the image of Taj Mahal on it. This pool is fed by a stepped waterfall from the northern part of the garden.
On the eastern side of the garden, there is a large water tank. The water channels cover the garden, making it possible for every inch of the garden to be flourished. You can find baradaris on the west and east side of the garden. There are two ruined structures in the garden, which is assumedas decorated garden pavilions of the past. The west of the garden holds aqueduct, which feeds the garden.
Recently, many nurseries of varying plants are added including a temple, statues and others. The nurseries are a part of the four-year restoration plan of ASI. The types of plants are chosen by Harvard’s Graduate School of Design based on the research of the plant species, which populated this garden in the ancient times.
Best Time to Visit Mehtab Bagh
During spring, autumn, and winter, the garden blooms to its best and regains its original glory. It is a sight to behold when the Yamuna is full of water, and the Taj is reflected in its serene waters. The garden wears different charm in each season.
Early sunrise or the sunset is the best time to catch up with the Taj Mahal and take a stroll or two while seeing the sun change colors and enjoy the cool breeze from the Yamuna. The garden looks beautiful during this time and turns into photographers’ delight, presenting photo ops in myriad colors along with a different perspective of the Taj with manicured gardens, beautiful flowers, and trees in the foreground.
A short walk to the brick wall presents a splendid unobstructed look of the Taj along with the guest house and the mosque. The gardens are expansive and a good place for the kids to play and enjoy open spaces and fresh air.
The Taj Mahal Agra, the most romantic city in India, is famous for the marble edifice 'Taj Mahal' hued in the eternal beauty that is immortal. This beautiful marble monument, located on a bank of the Yamuna River in Agra India, has inspired poets and lovers throughout the world. You can see the gorgeous Taj Mahal on tours to Agra. Agra was the capital of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his attractive Queen Mumtaz Mahal. After she passed away in 1631, Shah Jahan created a mausoleum that is now known as a symbol of undying love. During your tours to Agra, a visit to the Agra Fort and the Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone city made by Emperor Akbar is an absolute must. Agra is one of the most important historic cities of India. Agra tours will give enough opportunity to know about the history and culture of Agra.
