AGRA FORT
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| Agra Fort, Agra |
Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal is an important 16th century Mughal
monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fort of red sandstone
is within the walls of a 2.5 km long enclosure, the royal city of the Mughal rulers.
An inner paradise is hidden in the outer exterior of this fort. There are many
exquisite buildings such as the Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque similar to
an ideal pearl; Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Musamman Burj - Where the Mughal Emperor
Shah Jahan died in 1666 AD, Jahangir's Palace, Khas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Agra Fort,
a classic example of Mughal architecture, is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites
in India.
The construction of the Agra Fort was started around 1565 when the initial structures
were built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and later taken over by his grandson Shah Jahan,
who added most of the marble creations to the fort. The fort is crescent-shaped,
flattened to the east, and has a long, almost straight wall facing the river. It is
ringed by a double-forged rampart of red sandstone, which is punctuated by bastions
at regular intervals. The moat around the outer wall is 9 meters wide and 10 meters deep.
The 22 meter high inner wall provides a sense of invincible defensive construction.
The outline of the fort was determined by the route of the river, which flowed together
in those days. The main axis is parallel to the river and the walls bridge towards the city.
The fort originally had four gates, two of which were later covered with walls.
Today, visitors are only allowed entry through the Amar Singh Gate. Jahangir Mahal is
the first notable building that visitors see as soon as they enter through Amar Singh's gate.
Jahangir was the son of Akbar and heir to the Mughal throne. Jahangir Mahal was built by
Akbar as a women's residence. It is made of stone and decorated externally.
Ornamental Persian verses are engraved on a large stone bowl, possibly used for
fragrant rose water. Akbar built a palace next to Jahangir Mahal for his favorite queen
Jodha Bai.
Khas palace displays distinctive Islamic-Persian features. These match well with a splendid range of Hindu features such as chhatris. It is considered the king's bedroom or 'Aramgah'. The Khas Mahal provides the most successful example of painting on a white marble surface. To the left of the Khas Mahal is the Musamman Burj built by Shah Jahan. It is a beautiful octagonal tower with an open pavilion. It boasts of its openness, elevation and evening cool winds. It was here that Shah Jahan lay on his deathbed, looking towards the Taj.
Sheesh Mahal or Glass Palace is the finest example of ornamental water engineering in Hammam. It is believed to have been a harem or dressing room, and its walls are studded with small mirrors that are the best specimen of glass-mosaic decoration in India. To the right of the Sheesh Mahal is the Diwan-i-Khas, which is a private audience hall. The marble pillars are inlaid with semi-precious stones in a delightful floral pattern. Also available is the Mammam-e-Shahi or Shah Burj, which is used as a summer retreat.
Diwan-i-Aam used to have the famous Mayur throne, which was taken to the Red Fort when Shah Jahan shifted his capital to Delhi. The throne alcove is richly decorated with white marble. The Nagina Mosque, built by Shah Jahan, was a private mosque of the ladies of the court. Moti Masjid or Moti Masjid is the most beautiful structure of the Agra Fort. The building is currently closed to visitors. Near the Moti Masjid is the Meena Masjid, which was built strictly by Shah Jahan for his personal use.