The city of Agra is world famous not only for Taj
Mahal, but also for the famous 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.
A
word about 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 river front.
Monuments Within The Fort
Musamman Burj
Musamman Burj (an octagonal tower) is Agra fort's most romantic, ornamental
pavilion wherein lived two beautiful and powerful Mughal queens-Nurjahan and
Mumtaz Mahal. 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 and died looking at the Taj Mahal.
Diwan-I-Khas
Diwan-I-Khas
(hall of private audience) was built by Shahjahan in 1636-37. It 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.
Diwan-I-Aam
Diwan-I-Aam or "hall for public audience". The arches are covered
with white lime polished to a smooth finish. The triple arched royal canopy
has lavish pietra dura ornamentation. The famous Peacock Throne ordered by
Shahjahan was kept here.
Moti Masjid
Moti Masjid or The pearl mosque, it's a three domes mosque in white marble
raising their heads over the red sandstone wall. Moti Masjid is known for
its sheer grandeur and perfect proportions. Moti Masjid was used by
Shahjahan's family members and court chiefs for offering prayers.
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.
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.
