Agra Fort
Location
Agra Fort is located on the banks of the Yamuna near the railway
station. Agra is well connected by air with Khajuraho, Varanasi, and
Delhi. It has good rail and bus connections with major Indian cities.
From the city, there are taxis, tempos, auto-rickshaws, and cycle
rickshaws to carry one to the fort. Prepaid taxis and autos from the
railway station are also available. Bicycles can also be hired on hourly
basis.
About Agra Fort
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 Agra fort has 2 gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar
Singh Gate, which is the fort's entrance. When you enter the gate you
will find yourself in the Great courtyard. On the right is the Hall of
Public Audience or Diwan-i-Am where Shah Jahan accepted petitions from
the general public.
Architecture and Interiors
Most of the buildings within this fort represent a unique blending of
different architectural styles. The most noteworthy building inside the
Agra Fort is the Jahangiri Mahal (Jahangir's Palace), which was the
principal zenana palace (palace for women belonging to the royal
household), used mainly by the Rajput wives of Akbar. A splendid gateway
leads to an interior courtyard surrounded by grand halls covered with
profuse carvings on stone, heavily fashioned brackets, piers and
crossbeams. One can still spot remnants of decoration in gold and blue
done in the prevalent Persian style. Jahangiri Mahal mixes Transoxanian
(Central Asian) features with courtyard halls styled in the broader
Gujarat-Malwa-Rajasthan tradition as it had been passed onto the Mughals
by the early 16th century architecture of Raja Man Singh of Gwalior.
Tourists on Agra holidays will notice that the Jahangiri Mahal is the
most important building of the Akbari period in the Agra Fort.
The Khas Mahal
Constructed by Shahjahan, is an airy edifice overlooking the specially
laid Angoori Bagh (Grape garden- a simple formal Mughal garden). Sheesh
Mahal (mirror palace) or the royal hammam (bath) is decorated with
myriad glass pieces and a central fountain. Musamman Burj (a octagonal
tower) within the Agra Fort is the most romantic, ornamental pavilion
wherein lived two most beautiful and powerful Mughal queens - Nurjahan
(Jahangirs's chief Queen) and Mumtaz Mahal (Shahjahan's chief Queen).
The quality of pietra dura (stone inlay work) decoration is fabulous and
perfect. Here Shahjahan spent his last few years as a captive held by
Aurangzeb (Shahjahan's son). Shahjahan languished and died looking at
the Taj Mahal.
The Sheesh Mahal :
The Sheesh Mahal, is a creation of myriad glass pieces and central
fountain. It is believed to have been the harem dressing room and it's
walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors which are the best specimens of glass
mosaic decoration in India.
Diwan-I-khas (Hall of Private audience) :
Erected by Shahjahan in 1636-7 and is a small hall with double marble
columns inlaid with pietra dura decoration. Here the Mughal Emperor
received important dignitaries or foreign ambassadors. On the terrace,
in front of this hall, are two marble thrones. The black throne belongs
to Jahangir who, as Prince Salim in rebellion against Akbar at
Allahabad, had ordered it for himself. Below this terrace lies the grand
courtyard of Machchi Bhawan, meant for harem functions. On another side
stands a small mosque built for Shahjahan by Aurangzeb.
Diwan-i-Am :
Diwan-i-Am, whose arches are covered with white lime polished to a
smooth finish, has triple arched royal canopy with lavish pietra dura
ornamentation. The Moti Masjid, is a white mosque known for it's sheer
grandeur and perfect proportion.
Getting There
One can reach Agra Fort by Taxis, city buses and Auto-rickshwas,
crawling all over the city.
