8 lesser-known Mughal monuments from across India that are a must-visit

Who doesn’t like going deep down memory lane, into the crevices of history, and discovering untold stories? Monuments, after all, are testaments to the rich history, valor, and pride of kingdoms. All of us, at some point in our lives, have been to the historic forts, the great Taj, and the grand red fort, which often steal most of the spotlight, but in a country deep-buried in history such as India, there are still less explored and scattered Mughal structures that are quietly holding onto the undying legacy of India.
These hidden gems in plain sight are waiting to be explored in their raw and unpolished form, where silence lingers over the courageous past of many.
You would be fascinated to know what you have missed all these years! Let's take a quick look inside the rich history of Indian monuments.

The Akhbari Fort and Museum, located in Ajmer, Rajasthan, is a historical site with deep Mughal roots. Built in 1570 by the great Akbar, it served as a residence to Prince Jahangir, popularly known as Salim, and also served as a strategic military base. It is also known as Ajmer Fort, Akbari Quila, or Akbar’s Palace. The fort is notable for its magnificent architecture, which sets it apart from other forts, as it is not built on a hill.
For the inside of the museum, the collection houses all the grand paintings in Mughal and Rajput style, armors, and even intricately carved sculptures. Visitors can even enjoy a sound and light show here every evening from 7 PM to 8 pm. The museum timings are daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, except on Mondays and government holidays.

Often called Baby Taj, it is a stunning Mughal mausoleum in Agra, India. Said to have been built between 1622 and 1628, it was commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, in the loving memory of her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. This tomb is significant because it marks the transition from red sandstone in Mughal architecture to white marble structures. The detailed pietra dura inlay work, delicate jali screens, and symmetrical charbagh gardens make it a masterpiece of Mughal artistry. The Tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Located in Talania village, Jalandhar, Punjab. These twin tombs are believed to belong to Ustad Syad Khan and his apprentice (shagird), who constructed them during their lifetimes, dating back to the 16th century. Getting into the details, the tomb is separated by about 2000 meters, showcasing glazed ornamentation and architectural symmetry, also reflecting the detailed craftsmanship during the Mughal period. What one would be fascinated by is that the place in which this tomb is located was a significant town during the Mughal era, located on the Delhi-Lahore highway. The tombs survived the destruction of Sirhind in 1710 and still stand now as a testament to the rich cultural history of our country.

The tomb of Shah begum is located in Khusrau Bagh, Prayagraj. Shah begum, originally named Man Bai, was a rajput warrior princess and the first wife of Emperor Jahangir. She was the mother of Prince Khasrau Mirza, who was briefly hier to the Mughal throne. Her tomb was designed by Aqa Raza, who was an artist in Jahangir’s court. This tomb is a three-story sandstone structure with a canopy on top, reflecting even the Hindu heritage. The tomb features intricate inscriptions by Mir Abdullah Mushkin Qalam, chief calligrapher at Jahangir’s court. The complex marks an important transition in Mughal architecture, as it was among the first to incorporate funerary gardens, a trend that later culminated in the Taj Mahal.

This beautiful palace was built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 for his Rajput wife, Mariam-uz-zamani (Jodha Bai). it is one of the largest residential palaces in Fatehpur Sikri that reflects a fusion of Hindu and Persian architecture. The palace features Rajasthani-style gateways, Hindu motifs, and a temple where Jodha Bai used to worship. This place is open daily from 6:00am to 6:00pm.

Situated within the Jama Masjid complex in Fatehpur Sikri, this white marble mausoleum was built by Akbar in 1580-81 to honor the famous sufi saint Salim Chishti, who had predicted the birth of Akbar’s son, Jahangir. The tomb comprises an intricate jali, mother-of-pearl inlay work, and Quranic inscriptions. It is a part of the UNESCO world heritage site of Fatehpur Sikri.

Often dubbed the “Taj of the Deccan,” this mausoleum in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, was built by Prince Azam Shah in 1660 in memory of his beloved mother, Dilras Banu Begum, wife of Aurangzeb. This quaint maqbara features mughal-style gardens, marble domes, and intricate stucco decorations.

Located in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, this is a magnificent 17th-century palace built by Vir Singh Deo, the Bundela ruler. This palace has a three-story structure with indo-islamic architecture, blending the compliments of Mughal and Rajput styles seamlessly. This palace has a grand entrance, marked by two stone elephants with bells on their trunks. The front wall is adorned with turquoise tiles, adding to its regal appearance. It boasts of hanging balconies, ornate pavilions, and intricately carved porches. This palace is open daily from 7:30am to 6:00pm.

Experience history firsthand by visiting these legendary monuments, where each site immerses you in the artistic brilliance and cultural legacy of the Mughal era.

A deep dive into forgotten corners of history, uncovering lesser-known Mughal monuments that still whisper tales of a regal past.

These are the places where architecture becomes poetry, where every curve, color, and carving whispers stories of love, legacy, and timeless artistry