The city of Taj was established in 1475 by Badal Singh. Agra finds mention in the Mahabharata as Agraban. This city in those days was considered to be the sister city of Mathura which was more prominent than Agraban. Agra came into its own when the Lodhi Kings chose this place beside the river Yamuna to be their capital city. Sikander Lodhi made Agra his capital but Babur defeated the Lodhis to capture not only Agra but also laid the foundation of the Mughal empire.

       The coming of Babur heralded a new era which was to see Agra at its zenith during the reign of Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan. It was during Akbar's period that Agra became the center of art, culture and commerce and learning. This trend reached its height when Shah Jahan became the ruler.

       In the mid 16th century and the earlier 17th century Agra witnessed a frenzied building activity and it was during this time when the symbol of love -Taj Mahal was built. The buildings made during this era were purely in the contemporary Mughal style and of very high quality which is still reflected in the monuments remaining in Agra.The narrow lanes of Agra filled with the aroma of Mughlai cuisine, the craftsman who are busy in creating master pieces with their skill, all remind of the Mughal royalty which this city had once experienced. Today whatever remains, has become a major tourist attraction which has taken Agra again to the heights of glory but this time as a major tourist destination of India.