CHAPTER1
Armenians in Agra

        The Armenians settled in Agra in the 16th century on the invitation of Emperor Akbar (1556-1605) and till the middle of the 19th century they formed a rather big Armenian community over there. By the order of the Moghul Emperor Armenian merchants were allowed to export and import any items without tax, enter those districts of the empire where entrance of foreigners was prohibited.³¹ It is noteworthy to mention that the Armenians enjoyed such a high regard among the native population that the Catholic fathers were entering India and China dressed in Armenian traditional clothes thus to be able to conduct their missionary work without any obstacles.³² Armenian colony was held in such a high esteem that the Indian rulers used to visit them.³³
        The letter of Father Jerome Xavier, written in 1604, says the following: “Owing to Akbar’s Firman, the Christians might practice their religion quite openly.”³⁴ In 1562 an Armenian Church was built in Agra, expenses were bore by the ruler from his state treasury. Erection of the church proves that there was a sizeable Armenian community in Agra. About the considerable number and wealth of the Armenian colony in Agra speaks the fact that in the 17th century. Echmiatsin³⁵ sent a special priest-envoy to Agra.