Itmad ud Daula

Otherwise known as the Baby Taj, located on the banks of the Yamuna River, this is another tomb which is often overlooked because of its more imposing neighbour. At the time of its construction, it achieved various firsts—it was the first tomb to be built out of marble instead of sandstone, it was the first monument which was built on the river bank (prior to that there had just been a series of pleasure gardens adorning the Yamuna), and it was the first to use the pietra dura work, which is the inlay work of semi-precious stones. Less imposing maybe, but in my opinion, it is a finer monument, the work is more delicate and its white marble glistens and dazzles against the brilliant blue skies of a winter’s day. Whichever route you take into Agra from Delhi, you have to pass Itmad ud Daula, and I can’t think of a reason not to stop and marvel at what is commonly referred to as the precursor to the Taj Mahal.