Important Facts :

Agra city is an important tourist place in terms of historical and architectural attractions in its precincts. The city has been ruled by the great dynasties of India. The city of Agra, as it exists today, holds the memories of the past as well the modernity that has reached its borders. Some important facts about the city are:

Location :  Uttar Pradesh State, India.

Distance from National Capital :  200 kms approx.

Estimated population :1.4 millions.

Altitude : 169 Meters above sea level

Area : 4082 sq. km.

Winter : 4.20 C 31.70 C

Language : Hindi, Urdu, English

Temperature : Summer - 21.90 °C - 45.00 °C

Rainfall : Average yearly 66 cm..

Clothes:Summer  : Cotton
            
 Winter  : Light Woolens

Country Code (India) : 0091

STD code : 0562
    
Shopping in Agra - Brassware

Agra is renowned for its fine brassware. Hereditary craftsmen offer their brassware in the crafts emporia and brassware showrooms in Agra India. The skilled craftsmen and metalworkers of Agra make a wide variety of beautiful ornamental and utility items in brass, which you can see while shopping in Agra India. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc and is cast and moulded into many beautiful and useful items.

The brassware of Agra combines functionality with aesthetic beauty. Beautiful worked vases, jars, plates, jewel cases, caskets, decorative
items and water pipe or hookah bases can be seen on display in the markets of Agra. The brassware is sometimes decorated with enamel work and decorative designs in floral or geometric shapes. The brass artifacts such as lamps and plates can be used either for decoration or as items of household use. The finesse of the workmanship of brassware in Agra, is remarkable. You're sure to find many brass souvenirs to take back with you while shopping in Agra India.

The main markets for shopping for brassware in Agra are near the Taj Mahal complex. These areas include Sadar Bazaar, Kinari Bazaar and Munro Road. The U.P State Emporium called Gangotri at the Taj Mahal Complex, offers a range of brassware. The Shilpagram crafts village is another venue where brassware items are on sale, directly by the artisans themselves. You'll find yourself being amazed by the range of brassware items on offer in the markets of Agra, while shopping in Agra India.


History : Agra is believed to be the dwelling places of Aryans. A rich civilization flourished in the city somewhat close to 2nd century B.C. It has been referred as 'Arya Griha' or the abode of Aryans. The earliest accounts of Agra can be found in the epic Mahabharata. The city has been referred as 'Agravana' which used to be a part of Surasena Empire. History seems to have lost it untill its rediscovery by the Mughals. The first concrete evidence of Agra can be found in the poems of Khwaja Masud bid sad bin Salman. According to the poet Mahmud Shah the governor of Hind (presumably parts of the Punjab and the North-west region) invaded the Fort of Agra in 1080-81.

Very few records confirm to the establishment of a fort before the arrival of Mughals.

Agra was specifically mentioned in the reign of Syed Allauddin (1445-51) as a dependency of Biana. The narration of Niamatullah contradict the fact and according to his accounts the city was built by Emperor Sikander of Lodhi which had no prior existence. Ibrahim Lodhi, the last Sultan was killed and the empire terminated in 1526 A.D. It was here in 1530 A.D. that Babur breathed his last and Humayun was crowned. The city was soon developed and made the commanding centre. Humayun was defeated by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah. However, in the second battle of Panipat that is in 1556 A.D. Iskander Khan defeated the Afghan ruler Hemu on Akbar's behalf and mughals claimed the city. During Akbar's period the developments in and around Agra reach its zenith. This was followed by his successors Jehangir and Shah Jahan. In 1658 Aurangzeb took the throne and shifted his capital to Delhi leaving behind glamorous history of Agra.