Agra – Ranthambhore

On our way out of Agra, our guide Deepak took us to what is called “The Abandoned City” because it was built, occupied, and deserted within fifteen years by Akbar “The Great,” the emperor who cemented Mughal (Muslim) rule in India. Akbar was famous not just for redundancy (“Akbar” is Arabic for “is great”). He also accepted all religions, abolishing the tax on non-Muslims and taking one wife from each of the major religions.

This is a cool room where Akbar sat and talked to leaders from all religions, who were charged with telling Akbar the best thing about their respective religions, and to prove it, a tall order to be sure.

This is Akbar’s huge bed. His wives and concubines kept him busy.

This is a cool performance space (literally) where Akbar hung out and listened to music, which was supposedly improved by being played over water, which also cooled the air and scented it with rose petals.

This was the separate palace for Akbar’s Hindu wife, who received special treatment because she bore him a son.

This section of our India trip was upgraded to an all-inclusive resort, and Jai (Jay) waits on us hand and foot, starting by filling the pool upon our arrival and bringing us beers and tomato-and-cheese sandwiches with the crusts cut off. We took full advantage of the pool.