Charbagh Garden (Agra)

 park, Mughal garden

Taj Mahal Gardens (Bagh-i Firdaus-a'in) are set up in a Persian style layout, running from the main gateway to the base of the Taj Mahal. The Persian style of gardens, with emphasis on flowers, fruit, birds, leaves, symmetry and delicacy, was introduced in India by Babur. These gardens were based on geometric arrangements of nature and no attempt was made to give them a "natural" look. Another architectural attribute that has been followed in the case of the entire monument, especially the gardens of the Taj Mahal of Agra, is the usage of number four and its multiples.
Since four is considered the holiest number in Islam, all the arrangements of Charbagh Garden of Taj Mahal are based on four or its multiples. The entire garden is divided into four parts, with two marble canals studded with fountains crossing in the center. In each quarter portion, there are 16 flowerbeds that have been divided by stone-paved raised pathways. It is said that even each of the flowerbed was planted with 400 plants.
The trees of the Taj garden are either that of Cyprus (signifying death) or of the fruit bearing type (signifying life) and even they are arranged in a symmetrical pattern. Taj Mahal occupies the north end corner of the garden, instead of being in the center. Infact, at the center of the garden, between the Taj and its gateway, is a raised marble lotus-tank with a cusped border, which reflects the Taj in its waters.
The tomb of Sultan Parvez was once located at the centre of Char Bagh garden. The existence of the garden of Sultan Parvez is also confirmed by Francisco Palsaert, officer of the Dutch East India Company, in his book 'Remonstrantie'. The European traveler called it one of the most beautiful gardens along the river.

One of the paintings attributed to the famous Mughal painter Manohar depicts Parvez being received by Jahangir in a garden. In all probability, say historians, this was the garden of Parvez identified later. Further, an 18th century map of Agra housed in the museum at Jaipur gives a depiction of the garden along with the tomb of the prince.


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