Chini Ka Rauza

This tomb is a memorial dedicated to Allama Afzel Khal Mullah Shukrullah of Shiraz, who was a Persian poet-scholar and later the Prime Minister of Shah Jahan. Chini Ka Rauza is an Afzal Khan creation, who was a high official in the court of Shah Jahan. It is decorated with glazed tiles on the facade and depicts the Persian influence on Mughal architecture.

Built in 1635, Chini-ka-rauza is situated at a distance of less than one kilometer north of Itmad-ud-daulah on the same side of the Yamuna. Neglected and decaying, its soft brown stone is exposed to the elements and is now crumbling away into the riverbank. Topped with an Afghan-style bulbous dome, the dull earth-coloured tomb is a far cry from Nur Jahan's delicate work, but is distinctive as Agra's sole Persian construction. Parts of the walls are still covered with the coloured enamel tiles (chini) that once enhanced the whole of the exterior and gave the tomb its name, while traces of paintings and Islamic calligraphy can still be made out on the high domed ceiling. It is a rectangular structure, having beautiful title work in glazing colours, and is surrounded by a great bulbous dome. On the top of the chamber some Quranic texts are inscribed on it. Although it is in a dilapidated condition, but still its craftsmanship is worth seeing. There are two cenotaphs in its middle, one of Shukruilahtered irt the service of Jahangir in 1618 A.D. and became the Finance minister of Shah Jahan, who died in Lahore in 1639 A.D. His dead body was brought from Lahore and was graved here.