Friday, 25 January 2013

Agra Fort

23:52 | Posted by | Edit Post


Agra had been the capital of Mughals ever since Babur. The foundations of the Agra Fort, also known as the Red Fort of Agra, were laid by Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great in 1665. It took six years to complete this mighty red sandstone giant that was mainly used as military garrison at that time. Jehangir commissioned some minor construction work during his reign and Shah Jahan, the grandson of Akbar and the greatest of builders in Mughal lineage, started using Agra Fort as his palace and court and made several additions to it.


With double walls that are 20 meters high and 2.5 km in circumference, Agra Fort was a strong fortress further protected by a surrounding moat that used to be full of ferocious crocodiles. Lofty battlements to guard mansions and palaces of nobles and princes on the riverfront; and magnificent arched gateways amidst towers, ramparts and bastions are main highlights of Agra Fort.


Showcasing finest examples of fusion architecture of Mughal era, Agra Fort houses Jehangir Palace with clever blend of Persian and local styles as well as Diwan-e-Aam with subtle Turkish exteriors and convoluted Persian ornamentations. Other featured buildings of the fort that are magnificent in their own distinctive styles include Diwan-e-Khas, Anguri Bagh, Moti Masjid, Khas Mahal, Musamman Burj (where Shah Jehan was imprisoned in his last days by his son Aurangzeb to allow him the views of Taj Mahal), Mina Masjid and Shish Mahal.

Jehangir Mahal
As soon as you enter Agra Fort through the Amar Singh Gate, first palace on the right is Jehangir Mahal. The extensive and beautiful landscaped lawn was the place where royal ladies used to entertain themselves. Build in sandstone, it is the only original palatial building commissioned by Akbar. It used to serve as Zanana or the Quarters of Royal Women.  The ornamental stone brackets to support the beam originated from here and was soon adopted all across India. A giant stone bowl in front of the palace was used to store ‘Gulab Jal’ or fragrant rose water for bathing. The Persian verses carved on its outer rim is said to be the work of Jehangir.


Diwan-e-Aam
The incredible Diwan-e-Aam or the Hall of Public Audience is situated in front of the Macchhi Bhawan. The best design features here include cleverly deigned pillars that offered uninterrupted view of the throne to all the visitors entering the hall from right or left doors, beautiful jaalis to veil royal ladies and female members listening in to court proceedings, and richly adorned marble throne, which ones used to hose the legendary Peacock Throne.


Diwan-e-Khas
Diwan-e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience is to the right of Shish Mahal or Glass Palace. Exclusively used by the emperor to receive distinguished guests and hold private meetings, it displays beautiful Naqqashi work on the facades and the interiors. Marble pillars with floral motifs, inlaid with semi-precious stones, were used to mark the grandeur oftheMughals.

ShishMahal
Opposite to Musamman Burj, Shish Mahal has a glass décor that is unmatchable and perhaps most magnificent in India. Tiny mirrors and glass mosaic designs in the two inter-joined halls of this palace are exceptional.


Fact Files : Agra Fort

Location: Near the Agra Cantonment Station area
Ideal Time to Visit: Anytime round the year, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Attraction: Jahangir Mahal, Divan-e-AamHow to Reach: Hire a cab or Auto from the hotel




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