Introduction to Agra Fort
The city of Agra is world famous for the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal
emperor Shahjahan in memory of his beloved wife. However, it is also
famous for the Agra Fort, which is a veritable treasure trove of the
Mughal architectural tradition. The various buildings within this sprawling
fort complex represent the assimilation of different cultures, which
was the mark of the Mughal period.
Agra Fort
Akbar was the third Mughal emperor and undoubtedly the greatest. He
was crowned the Mughal ruler in 1556 at the tender age of 14, when his
father Humayun died suddenly. After Akbar consolidated his rule, he
began constructing the Agra Fort, which coincided with the building
of Humayun's tomb in Delhi. Akbar began the construction of this massive
fort made of red sandstone on the banks of the Yamuna in 1565. The fort
was ready by 1571, though additions were made up until the rule of Shahjahan,
who was Akbar's grandson. During the time of Akbar, the fort mainly
served military purpose, while by the time of Shahjahan it also served
as a palace and court.
The fort's colossal double walls rise 20 m in height and measure 2.5
km in circumference. The fort is surrounded by a moat. The lofty battlements
of the Agra fort cast its protective shadow over the far stretching
mansions of nobles and princes built along the riverfront. The magnificent
towers, bastions and ramparts and majestic gateways symbolized the confidence
and power of the third Mughal emperor. The fort contains splendid palaces
both in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of prolific
builders, Akbar and later on by Jahangir and Shahjahan. Of the nearly
500 Akbari buildings built in the Bengal and Gujarati traditions, only
a few have survived, arrayed in a band on the riverfront.
Monuments Within The Fort
Musamman Burj
(an octagonal tower) within the Agra fort is the most romantic, ornamental
pavilion wherein lived two beautiful and powerful Mughal queens-Nurjahan
(Jahangir'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.
Jahangiri Mahal This is the first notable building
that the visitor sees on his right hand side at the end of a spacious
lawn, as one enters through the Amar Singh Gate and emerges out of the
passage. 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
& is simply decorated on the exterior.
The most important feature of the edifice are its ornamental stone brackets
which support the beams. In front is a large stone bowl which was probably
used to contain fragrant rose water. Ornamental Persian verses have
been carved along the outer rim, which record its construction by Jahangir
in 1611 A.D. This elegant, double storeyed palace reflects a strong
Hindu influence with protruding balconies and domed chhatries.
Jodha Bai's Palace
To the right of Jahangiri Mahal is Akbar's favourite queen Jodha Bai`s
Palace. In contrast to other palaces in the fort, it is rather simple.
Through the slits in the wall one can see the Taj. A better place to
take photographs is further on.
Sheesh Mahal
Opposite to the Mussaman Burj and just below the Diwan-e-Khaas hall
is the Sheesh 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. The Sheesh
Mahal is composed of two large halls of equal size, each measuring 11.15m
x 6.40 m. Both are connected in the centre by a broad arched opening
and on the sides by two narrow passages.
Diwan-e-Khaas
To the right of Sheesh Mahal is Diwan-e-Khaas, the Hall of Private Audience.
Presently entry is not allowed inside Diwan-e-Khaas but the fine proportions
of the building can easily be appreciated. The marble pillars are inlaid
with semi-precious stones in delightful floral patterns.
Hammam-I-Shahi
To the right of Diwan-e-khaas is the Hammam-e-Shahi or the Shah Burj.
Foreign travellers who visited Agra during the reigns of Jahangir and
Shah Jahan have described these apartments as the Ghusal Khana (bathroom).
It was not the Turkish bathroom as is generally but erroneously supposed.
It was really an "air-conditioned" apartment, attached to
the residential quarters and was used as a summer retreat. Business
of very confidential nature was conducted here.
Macchhibhawan
Opposite to the Diwan-i-Khaas is the Macchhi Bhawan, the Fish Enclosure.
The emperor sat on the white marble platform facing this enclosure.
It once contained pools and marble fountains which were carried off
by Jat Raja Surajmal to his palace at Deeg. Around the Macchi Bhawan
were the imperial offices
Tajmahal
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