Agra

Agra is one of India's most famous historic cities, located on the banks of the Yamuna River in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is best known as the home of the iconic Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most celebrated monuments.

## Population The population of Agra District is 4,418,797 (about 44.19 lakh) as per the 2011 Census of India. The district is one of the most populous in Uttar Pradesh, with a high population density due to its mix of urban areas like Agra and large rural regions. The population has increased since 2011, but official updated census figures are not yet available.

## Area The total area of Agra District is approximately 4,041 square kilometers. It includes both urban regions like Agra and several rural tehsils spread across the district.

## Tehsils Agra District has 6 tehsils: Agra Tehsil, Etmadpur Tehsil, Kheragarh Tehsil, Fatehabad Tehsil, Bah Tehsil, and Kirawali Tehsil.

## Major Cities & Towns Major cities and towns in Agra District include Agra, Fatehabad, Etmadpur, Kheragarh, Bah, Kirawali, and Achhnera.

## Languages The main languages spoken in Agra District are Hindi (official and most widely used), Braj Bhasha (a regional dialect commonly spoken in everyday life), and Urdu (used by a significant minority). In urban areas, especially in Agra, English is also widely used in education, tourism, and business.

## Education Education in Agra District is well developed and covers all levels from primary schooling to higher and professional education. The district has a literacy rate of about 71.6% (2011 Census), reflecting a steadily growing education system. It is home to major institutions like Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, which affiliates many colleges and offers courses in arts, science, commerce, law, and management. Another important institution is Dayalbagh Educational Institute, known for quality education in science, engineering, and social studies with a focus on research and values.

## Tourism Tourism in Agra is one of the most important parts of the city’s economy, as it attracts millions of visitors every year. The city is world-famous for the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Another major attraction is the Agra Fort, a grand red sandstone fort that reflects the power of the Mughal Empire. Nearby, the historic city of Fatehpur Sikri adds further heritage value with its well-preserved Mughal architecture. The Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, also known as the “Baby Taj,” is another popular site known for its intricate marble work.

## Famous Food Food in Agra is a mix of Mughlai flavours and traditional North Indian cuisine, strongly influenced by the city’s Mughal heritage. The most famous local speciality is Agra Petha, a soft candy made from ash gourd, available in many varieties like plain, saffron, and dry.