--> Location
: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
--> Build By : Akbar
--> Built in : 1565
--> Made of: Red Sandstone
Built principally as a military establishment by Akbar
in 1565, the red sandstone Agra fort was partially
converted into a palace during Shah Jahan's time. Though
the principal structure was built by Akbar, many more
additions were made by his grandsons. This massive fort
is 2.5 kms long and is considered as the predecessor of
the Delhi Red fort.
The colossal walls are 20 feet high and the whole fort
is encircled by a fetid moat. Amar Singh gate towards
the south is the only entry point in the fort. The
building and structures inside the fort gives an
impression of a city within the city. Many of the
building inside the fort is now closed for the public.
The marble pearl mosque inside the fort is one of the
most stunningly beautiful mosques in India.
Diwan-i-Khas
This was the hall of private audience. This hall was
also added by Shah Jahan. This hall is divided into two
rooms connected by three arches and it was here that the
famous peacock throne was kept before being shifted to
Delhi by Aurangzeb and finally carried away to Iran.
Diwan-i-Am
This structure was originally made out of wood but was
later constructed in the present form by Shah Jahan. The
throne room bears a clear influence of Shah Jahan style
with the inlaid carvings and panels of marble with
floral motifs. This hall of public hearing is the place
where the Emperor heard the petitions of the public and
met the officials. The hall of public hearing gives way
to the Nagina Mosque and the Ladies bazaar where only
ladies merchants were allowed to sell items to the
Mughal ladies.
The Octagonal Tower
This exquisitely carved tower is close to the Diwan-i-
Khas. It was here that Shah Jahan spent last seven years
of his life imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. The tower
was considered to provide one of the best views of the
Taj but today the pollution has reduced the visibility.
The tower is in bad shape today but blank spaces and the
empty inlay works give an idea how this building must
have looked in those days.
Mina Masjid
Just above the Shish Mahal is situated the Mina Masjid,
which is believed to be constructed by Shah jahan for
strictly private use. The Mina Masjid is enclosed on all
the four sides by high walls. The marble mosque has
three small arches in its facade, which are plain and
unadorned.
Jahangir Palace
This was built by Akbar for his favourite son Jahangir to
provide him with the comfort and luxury inside the fort.
Macchi Bhawan
Opposite to the Diwan-i-Khas is the macchi bhawan, the
fish enclosure. The emperor sat on the white marble
platform facing the enclosure. It once contained pools
and marble fountains, which were carried off by the
Raja Suraj Mal to his palace at Deeg.
Moti Masjid
Moti Masjid is situated to the right of Diwan-i-Am of
the Agra Fort. One can see the domes of the Moti Masjid,
which is the prettiest of all the buildings at Agra
Fort. Moti Masjid is a white marble structure built by
Shah Jahan for his family members and court chiefs. Moti
Masjid made out of white marble is one of the ancient
mosques situated in Agra. It shine like a pearl
once upon a time and hence like its name.
Shish Mahal
Opposite to the Musamman Burj and just below the Diwan-i- Khas hall is the Shish Mahal
or the glass palace. It is believed to have been the harem dressing room and its
walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors, which are the best
specimens of glass mosaic decoration in India.
Anguri Bagh
These formal 85 square geometric gardens lie to the left
of the fort. During shahjahan's time, the beauty of the
gardens was considerably enhanced by decorative flower
beds.
Jahangiri Mahal
This is the first notable building inside the Agra Fort.
It was built by Akbar as women's quarters and is the
only building that survives among his original palace
buildings. It is built of stone and is simply decorated. This elegant, double storeyed building
reflects a strong hindu influence with protruding
balconies and domed chhatris.
Golden Pavilions
The curved chala roofs of the small pavilions by the
Khas Mahal are based on the roof shape of Bengali
village huts constructed out of curved bamboo, designed
to keep off heavy rains. The shape was first expressed
in stone by the sultans of Bengal. These pavilions are
traditionally associated with shahjahan's daughters:
Roshnara and Jahannara Begum.
Musamman Burj
On the left of the Khas Mahal is the Musamman Burj
built by Shahjahan. It is a beautiful octagonal tower
with an open pavilion. With its openness, elevation and
the benefit of cool evening breezes flowing in off the
Yamuna River, this could be well have been used also as
the emperor's bedroom. This is where Shah Jahan lay on
his death bed, gazing at Taj Mahal.
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