The inlay work at Itimad-ud Daula’s tomb represents the transitional phase in Mughal inlay work, between the bold style predominant in Akbar’s time and the extremely fine pietra dura that would later be seen at Taj Mahal.

This site uses white marble from Rajasthan that is encrusted with various coloured stones such as cornelian, jasper, onyx and lapis lazuli to form cypress trees, surahis, vines, flowers and fruits – all requiring nimble handiwork.