This blogger has told us of Agra, a city of great historical, architectural and religious wealth and traditions, and place where artisans make beautiful, handcrafted items. Words themselves truly cannot describe the beauty and grandeur of what is found in Agra. We can surely try to describe these great treasures and their significance, but how can you adequately picture the majestic architectural forms of love and sacrifice as it is shown in places such as the Taj Mahal and the Fatehpur Sikri, two cities within Agra built to the memory of others. And how do you trace and describe the honored, revered traditions of artisans as they follow in the footsteps and traditions of many others of great renown and talent?

The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan (ruler of 150 million people of the Mughal Empire in India from 1628 to 1658). He had it built in memory of Arjumand Banu Begum, nicknamed Mumtaz Mahal ("beloved ornament of the palace"). She was so beautiful that poets would write glowingly of her beauty, gracefulness and compassion during her lifetime. On her deathbed at the birth of her 14th child, she asked her husband not to marry anyone and for a symbol or a monument of their love. For the next 20 years, he built the Taj Mahal.

The Fatehpur Sikri was built in honor Saint Salem Chisti's love, tolerance and openness.

We can expect not only large edifices and monuments to be memorials to love and sacrifice, but also the small works of art and handicrafts that are found in that great city. He speaks of Zardoji, a "very unique art of embroidery in three dimensions", where the artisan uses layers of embroidered cotton to approximate his free hand sketches, and then uses different colored silk to produce an "original unparalled work of art". We probably would not doubt that these works of art were inspired by loved ones and sacrifice, and we could justifiably conclude that all works of art are made through these kinds of inspirations. India is full of these rich treasures.

Speaking of rich treasures, I have seen a handmade silk shawl from India that looks beautiful, luxurious and regal, as if it were spun in the Taj Mahal by inspired craftsman. The silk shawl I am talking about is worthy of conversation. I saw it on Overstock. It was "handcrafted be skilled artisans in India at Amristar in the state of Punjab" and has "unmatched softness and beautiful designs and patterns". Once you see it, you can imagine your loved one wearing it and feeling regal, loved and revered.