Akbar the Great

The third Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great (1555–1605), himself commenced its construction in around 1600, according to Tartary tradition to commence the construction of one’s tomb during one’s lifetime. Akbar himself planned his own tomb and selected a suitable site for it. After his death, Akbar’s son Jahangir completed the construction in 1605-1613.

Akbar was one of the greatest emperors in the history of India. However during the reign of Aurangzeb Alamgir, Rebellious Jats under Raja Ram Jat, ransacked the intricate tomb, plundered and looted all the beautiful gold, jewels, silver and carpets, whilst destroying other things. There are still signs of burning on the gates. Akbar’s bones were also burnt and the Tomb suffered a lot, until extensive repair was carried out by the British under Lord Curzon. The neighboring Taj Mahal was also looted, and two of Agra’s gates were taken away.