Agra is a fabulous repository of some of the most compelling experiences of history and heritage. And it's not just all about the Mughals, though of course, they dominate most of the narratives here; after all, it was the bastion of their empire in its early days.
Yet the city manages to wear its heritage lightly on its sleeve…its citizens so involved with their daily chores, they just take most of it for granted With the arrival of the British in 1803 Agra’s skyline changed apace with the introduction of the imperialistic leanings of colonial architecture. Agra was absorbed into the fold of the North-Western Provinces, with Charles Metcalfe serving as its first Lieutenant-Governor. It remained the seat of government for the province until 1858, when Allahabad replaced it as the admin's head.
Though inspired by the flavour of the local architecture its affiliations to the traditional European Neo-Classical and Gothic style remained strong as ever. An interesting outcome of this melange of influences arrived in the form of the imperialistic Indo-Saracenic architecture. Amongst the places of interest are the Bungalows in the Cantonment, Havelock Memorial Church, Post Office, St. Mary's Church, Queen-Empress Mary Library, Telegraph Office and St George's Cathedral
Exploring the Colonial Era in AgraVisiting places that still keep the colonial heritage aliveStudying the various architectural styles adopted by the British
Ornamented with colonial architecture, Agra is so much more than just being the homeland of one of the Seven Wonders of the World! The dateless stories and the charm of the Mughal emperors is what this city is known for. But we forget recollecting the vigour of the colonial age and that is exactly what we do during this experience - we rediscover the forgotten colonial legacy. So, come along and find out what the colonial era has left us in this beguiling city of Taj.