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| Chhatri of Raja Jaswant Singh |
CHHATRI OF RAJA JASWANT SINGH
One of the lesser known monuments in Agra is the Chhatri of Raja Jaswant Singh. In Hindi, chhatri means an umbrella. Thus, one can visualize the chhatri as a monument built either over a grave of a lesser known Muslim courtier, or over the cremation site of a lesser known Hindu chieftain. Just like an umbrella, the chhatris are dome shaped pavilions frequently used as an architectural statement in central Indian states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The chhatris in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan are quite famous, where they have been built over the cremation sites of some eminent individuals. The Shekhawati style chhatris may range from simple one dome structures resting on four pillars to highly ornamented elaborate buildings with multiple domes resting over a basement comprising of several rooms. In many instances, the interiors of chhatris in Shekhawati region are a riot of color, which attract a huge turnout.
RED TAJ MAHAL OF AGRA
In contrast to the illustrious white Taj Mahal of Agra, which was built by a besotted husband for his ethereally beautiful wife, the widow of John William Hessing built a Red Taj Mahal in 1803 A.D. over her husband’s grave in Agra to commemorate her abiding love for her departed husband. Colonel John William Hessing was a Dutch soldier who hailed from Utrecht, Holland. He had joined the Dutch E.I. Company in 1752 A.D. which posted him in Ceylon. He saw action while the Dutch troops captured Candia. Later, he offered his military services to a number of rulers in India.
BHISTI KA MAQBARA
The Bhishti ka Maqbara is located within the premises of the Civil Court in Agra. Bhishti in Urdu means water bearer as their job was to supply potable water by carrying it in goatskin bags. At other times, they sprayed water on dusty north Indian roads and courtyards to keep the dust away. This monument is also known as Jhun Jhun Katora, apparently in view of its shape as an inverted bowl. As per legends, it is considered to be the tomb of one Maulana Hasan, who originally hailed from Persia but had settled down in Agra. Local folklore attests him to be a prominent devotee of Sheikh Salim Chishti of Fatehpur Sikri and he had earned wide reputation as a saint in his own right. He was a contemporary of Sikandar Lodhi and Salim Shah Sur. This tomb has been constructed in Tughlaq – Lodhi style, with a brick and plaster dome resting on an octagonal base. The dome reflects some inscriptions, probably in Persian, but they are difficult to decipher.
