UPSSSC Test 15

Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal, is one of India's most important tourism destinations and annually attracts millions of domestic and international visitors who come to witness the architectural splendours of the Mughal era. The Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the seventeenth century as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest architectural achievements of human civilisation and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The monument is constructed from white marble quarried in Makrana, Rajasthan, and its surface is adorned with intricate inlay work using precious and semi-precious stones. The play of light on the marble changes dramatically through the day, from a soft pink at dawn to a brilliant white at noon and a warm golden hue at sunset, making it a subject of enduring fascination for photographers and travellers. Fatehpur Sikri, located approximately forty kilometres from Agra, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the region. Built by Emperor Akbar in the sixteenth century as his imperial capital, Fatehpur Sikri was abandoned shortly after its construction, possibly due to water scarcity, and has remained remarkably well-preserved since then. The complex includes the magnificent Buland Darwaza, the Jama Masjid, the Panch Mahal, and various palace structures that reflect a unique synthesis of Hindu, Islamic, and Jain architectural traditions. The Archaeological Survey of India undertakes conservation work at both monuments to address challenges posed by air pollution, tourism footfall, and weathering. The government has introduced timed entry permits for the Taj Mahal to manage crowd flow and protect the monument from wear. Agra's tourism ecosystem includes a large network of hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and transport services, and the city is a key node on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit that also includes Delhi and Jaipur.