The tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani, Akbar's consort and Jahangir's mother, built in 1623 at Sikandra and later used as a Christian mission press.
Mariam's Tomb stands in Sikandra, Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, close to Akbar's Tomb on the Delhi-Agra road. It was built in 1623 for Mariam-uz-Zamani, the wife of Emperor Akbar and mother of Emperor Jahangir, who is traditionally identified as a Rajput princess from Amber. Jahangir had the tomb raised in her memory in the years after her death in 1623. The monument is a modest but distinctive example of early 17th-century Mughal funerary architecture.
The building is made of red sandstone and brick on a raised plinth, in a plan that includes a central domed chamber and surrounding corridors. Its design is less ornate than the nearby imperial tombs, but it carries some carved decoration and traces of earlier painted and plastered surfaces. A central chamber holds the cenotaph, while the real grave is below. The tomb originally stood within a garden, and its setting and layout make it a useful comparison with the larger mausolea of the Mughal rulers.
In the 19th century the building was taken over by a Christian mission. The Church Missionary Society used it as a printing press and orphanage, and the structure was adapted for these purposes, with changes to its interior and surroundings. Subsequent conservation by the Archaeological Survey of India has attempted to stabilise the structure and recover its historic character. Today the tomb is a quiet monument, rarely crowded, which makes it suitable for visitors interested in less-visited sites. It is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Foreign nationals pay INR 300 and Indian nationals pay INR 25. A short visit is often combined with Akbar's Tomb, which lies a few minutes away.
| Admission | Foreign nationals INR 300 (approx $3.41 USD); Indian nationals INR 25 (approx $0.28 USD) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily sunrise to sunset |
| Address | Mariam's Tomb, Delhi-Agra Road (NH19), Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282007, India |
Why it matters
Mariam's Tomb commemorates Mariam-uz-Zamani, Akbar's Rajput consort and the mother of Emperor Jahangir, and reflects the place of Rajput women in the Mughal court. Its later use as a printing press ties it to the Christian missions of 19th-century Agra.
Location
Mariam's Tomb, Delhi-Agra Road (NH19), Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282007, India
27.2153, 77.9427 View on map
Highlights
- Tomb of Mariam-uz-Zamani, mother of Emperor Jahangir
- Red sandstone structure with a central domed chamber
- Layers of history from its use as a mission press
- Quiet grounds, far less crowded than larger Agra monuments
Tips for visiting
- Pair with Akbar's Tomb, which is a short drive down the same road.
- Visit in the morning for cooler temperatures and softer light.
- A short stop is enough; most visitors need about 30 minutes.
- Ask the caretaker or a guide about the mission-press phase, which is not always signed.
- Carry water; there are few facilities on site.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Around 30 to 45 minutes is enough to see the tomb and surroundings.
Why was it used as a printing press?
In the 19th century a Christian mission took over the building and used it as a press and orphanage, adapting its interior.
Is the site English-language friendly?
Basic ASI signage is available in English and Hindi; a guide adds useful context.
Can children visit?
Yes. It is a small open site, though there are steps and uneven surfaces.