Chini Ka Rauza
Mausoleum of Mulla Shukrullah Shirazi, is one of the masterpiece of glazed-tile
decoration. Uniqueness of this monument, lies in the fact that every portion
of this building is enriched with profuse decoration in variegated schemes of
colours due to which the monument is popularly known as 'Chini ka Rauza'.
The monument was built in 1639 A.D. by Mulla Shukrullah Shirazi, in his life
time, who was the Prime Minister of Shahjahan. He was also a famous poet of
that time and composed several poetry under the pen name of 'Allami'.
The main tomb building is very simple in plan and lacks architectural ornamentation.
According to 1871-72 survey report, the monument originally enclosed by high
walls, having gateways on North and South direction, two three storyed octagonal
towers and a ghat of stone masonry near the river bank, but now only the main
Tomb building, in partially damaged state, has survived.
The main tomb is square in plan with 79 feet (8.48m) side. The central chamber
is in octagonal plan having diameter of 27'10" (8.48m), with eight arched
recesses. Out of these eight arched recesses, four are pentagonal arched which
are close and rest of the four are square which provides openings on all four
sides. There are four square chambers, one at every corner, which are inter
connected with the side halls or porches on all four sides.
The upper part of the tomb contains an arched passage which is three feet (94
cm) wide and opens on all the four corners into four rooms just above the lower
corner chambers and gives a double storyed effect to the tomb building. This
passage was accessible by a stairway on the southern side which ultimately leads
to terrace. The superstructure of the building includes a shallow dome which
is crowned by inverted lotus and kalash finial, and pinnacles on all the four
corners.
ORNAMENTATION
The most exquisite feature of this monument is its, glazed tile decoration,
which is so profuse that it dominated the architectural composition of the exterior
and interior of the building. The monument was designed in such a way, that
it may provide spaces for colour embelishments. Use of architectural ornamentation
like chhajja, brackets and balconies were restricted to provide enough space
for glazed tile decoration.
The sides of central arch, on each side of the building contains inscription
in blue coloured tiles which is bordered by stylized design in blue, yellow
and green tiles. The spandrels of the arches are decorated with arabesque and
floresque patterns, laid in blue and orange tiles.
The shafts on sides of the arches contains zig-zag design in crimson, orange
and white colour. Chevrons of the pinnacles are decorated with bands of blue
tiles. The remaining spaces on each facade is divided into panels each having
floral designs in variegated colours like blue, green, orange, vermellion etc.
The Dame of the building is decorated with blue and yellow square tiles in diagonal
bands. Almost every inch of the building is covered with glazed tiles of wide
variety of colours and shades. Although the building is in dilapitated condition,
yet it is worth visiting because of its unique glazed-tile decoration.
AGRA - THE CITY OF TAJ MAHAL
