Chini Ka Rauza

Chini Ka Rauza is an octagonal mausoleum on the Yamuna riverbank in Agra, topped with a dome supported by slender minarets. The outer walls display fine Persian inscriptions and colorful ceramic tiles arranged in geometric and floral patterns.

The tomb was built in 1635 to hold the remains of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah, a Persian poet who served as Prime Minister under Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It arose during a period when Persian artistic influence was deeply rooted in Mughal architecture.

The site blends Persian and Indian building styles in its colored tiles and geometric patterns that cover the walls. Visitors who take time to look closely notice how the tilework shows the skill of craftspeople who worked on this monument.

The monument sits about one kilometer north of the Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb and opens daily to visitors without an entrance fee. The riverside location means the best time to visit is during daylight hours and when weather is stable.

The structure incorporates earthenware pots built into the facade to reduce overall weight and improve durability. This 17th-century building method shows a practical solution for dealing with material constraints faced during the Mughal period.