Located on the east side of the Yamuna River, Chini ka Rauza is a tomb built in the 1600s. Requiring more than a decade of construction, this historical site is a highlight for visitors as they explore greater Agra, India. Learn why this structure is called "China Tomb" right now.
Discovering Allama Afzal Khan Mullah's Legacy
This tomb was built for Afzal Khan, the Prime Minister to the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600s. He was more than a political advisor, however. Khan was also known as a scholar and poet. Indeed, Khan was revered by the time he passed in 1639. To commemorate his service to the Mughal Empire, he was laid to rest at Chini ka Rauza along with his wife.
To celebrate Khan's religious beliefs, the tomb faces Mecca. The Mughal Empire and Islamic practices were tightly knitted together in the 17th century. This structural detail endears the property to both history buffs and religious believers alike.
Learning About the Architecture
This landmark earned its namesake because of the tiles decorating the exterior surfaces. Imported from China, these colorful orange, green, yellow and blue tiles give the structure its unique appearance. Although they've faded over time, the tiles can still be appreciated with a close examination during your visit.
As you walk through Chini ka Rauza, take note of the Afghan-style architecture reflected in the main chamber and the four side rooms. With Persian influences, this tomb also has detailed paintings within and Quran inscriptions dotting the walls. The graves of Khan and his wife reside inside the tomb to this day.
Exploring the Property
Because there's no entry fee or hours of operation, roam around Chini ka Rauza at a leisurely pace. Because it's a lesser-known historic site, it can be a peaceful visit in the early morning hours. Aside from exploring the main structure, walk through the Charbagh-style garden. With Indo-Persian influences, this garden is symmetrical and flanks the tomb on the north and south sides. To the west, look out onto Yamuna River. As a perfect photography spot, this view gives you an expansive look at greater Agra.
Traveling to This Landmark
Because Chini ka Rauza is located just north of the Taj Mahal, traveling to the tomb requires only a rickshaw or a taxi. If you're traveling farther, buses are also a good option for budget-friendly transportation. Parking is limited at the tomb, so renting a car isn't the best choice.
Ideally, wear comfortable shoes as you walk the property. Because of its age, the tomb can have some rough terrain as the walkways shift over time. Luckily, the property is relatively flat by design, so visitors don't have a lot of stairs to climb.
Extend your stay along Yamuna River by venturing south to Mehtab Bagh and the Taj Mahal. Certainly, the busy state of Uttar Pradesh is full of historical sites to complement any vacation itinerary. Overall, Agra is a city reflecting modern living and traditional values in Northern India.
