Agra as a Christian City. Sounds incredible doesn't it? Lovers of the Taj might think of this as sacrilege, but one can go to the city of the Taj and admire the place for just its churches. Never mind the Mughal remains.Wandering through the city's churches, a visitor would come across painted glass windows, interesting inscriptions from British days some of which date back to the period of Company rule and stone tablets speaking of bishops over whom the grass has grown long. Exploring mysterious looking bell towers, forgotten churchyards and old tombs of European mercenaries built in the Mughal style of that day and age would leave him wondering if he is indeed in close proximity to the Taj or has been transported to a different world.
Be it the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception - the seat of the Catholic Church in the city, the Church of St. John in the Wilderness at Sikandra - also known as the Mission Church or St. George's Cathedral near Sadar, each church captures within its walls a bit of India's history and a bit that has remained hitherto unexplored. And the most interesting of all is a tiny shrine that has weathered many a storm - called 'Akbar's Church' it speaks volumes for the tolerance of that Emperor's reign. The original church was burnt down in the mid-18th century and the current structure built in 1772, which still makes it a historical monument. Watch this blog to know more about the Churches.
Note: The picture given is of St. Paul's Church.
4 comments:
Hey Arjun!
I have been to Agra twice and always associated the place with the Taj Mahal.. This is incredible- something that most of the people wouldn't know about. 'Akbar's Church' is quite fascinating!! You should get this published so that people know of Agra for reasons other than the Taj and Angoori Pethas :)
This is interesting. When I was there recently I asked some people about places to visit and nobody mentioned any churches! :)
your photos are stunning! what camera do you use?
Interesting....
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