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-e-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-e-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This structure was originally made out of wood but was later constructed in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 bazar where only ladies
merchants were allowed to sell items to the Moghal 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 Sheesh Mahal is situated the Mina Masjid, which is believed
to be constructed by Shahjahan 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.
Jehangir Palace
This was built by Akbar for his favorite son Jehangir to provide him with
the comfort and luxury inside the fort.
Machhi Bhawan
Opposite to the Diwan-E-Khas is the machhi 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 Jat Raja
Suraj Mal to his palace at Deeg.
Moti Masjid
Moti Masjid is situated to the right of Diwan-E-Aam 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
Shahjahan for his family members and court chiefs. Moti Masjid made out of
white marble is one of the ancient mosques situated in Agra. It used to
shine like a pearl once upon a time and hence the name.
Sheesh Mahal
Opposite to the Mussaman Burj and just below the Diwan-E- Khas hall is the
Sheesh Mahal or the glass palace. It is believed to 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
or9iginall palace buildings. It si built of stone and is simply decorated in
the exterior. 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 Khaas 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. Theses pavilions are tradtionally associated with
shahjahan's daughters: Roshnara and Jahannara Begum.
Musamman Burj
On the left of the Khaas 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 breezees 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.
