AGRA FORT

INTRODUCTION

Besides the Taj Mahal, Agra is also famous for the Agra Fort, which is a veritable treasure trove of the Mughal architectural tradition. The Agra fort is built alongside the Yamuna River and stretches almost 2.5 km. The various buildings within this sprawling fort complex represent the assimilation of different cultures, which was the hallmark of the Mughals. The magnificent towers, bastions, ramparts, and gateways of the Agra Fort symbolize the stature and power of Mughal Emperor Akbar.

HISTORY OF AGRA FORT

Akbar, king at 14, began consolidating his empire and, as an assertion of his power built the fort in Agra between 1565 and 1571, coeval with the construction of Humayun's tomb in Delhi. The Agra fort retains the irregular outline of the demolished mud-wall fort of the Lodis. The lofty battlements o the new fort cast its protective shadow over the far stretching mansions of court that 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, Akbar.

DESCRIPTION OF AGRA FORT

The fort contains splendid palaces both in red sandstone and white marble built by two generations of prolific builders Akbar and later Jehangir 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. The fort is auricular in shape and its colossal double walls rise 20 m in height and measure 2.5 m in circumference. The fort is encircled by a fetid 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.

A visit to the Agra Fort during your Agra tour will offer an insight to the grandeur of the Mughals and their architecture. Most of the buildings within this fort represent a unique blending of different architectural styles.

Jahangiri Mahal- This was built by Akbar as the women's quarters and the only building that survives among the original palace buildings. The double storied palace interestingly reflects a strong Hindu influence with protruding balconies and domed chhatries.

Khass Mahal- This was built entirely of marble and demonstrates distinctive Islamic-Persian features. This palace was considered to be as Shah Jahan's sleeping quarters. The Mahal provides the most successful example of paintings on a white marble surface. This palace brings the later Mughal architecture to present age.

The Sheesh Mahal- This is a creation of myriad glass pieces and central fountain. It is believed to have been the harem dressing room and its walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors (and thus the name), which are the best specimens of glass mosaic decoration in India.

The Musamman Burj- This is a beautiful octagonal tower with an open pavilion. The inlay work here is exquisite, especially above the pillars. This was where Shah Jahan lay on his deathbed, gazing at the Tajmahal.

Diwan-i-Khaas- This was the hall of private audience. The marble pillars are inlayed with semi-precious stones in beautiful floral patterns.

Diwan-i-Am- This structure has arches, which are covered with white lime polish for a smooth finish, has triple arched royal canopy with lavish pietra dura ornamentation.

HOW TO REACH AGRA FORT

Air- Agra's Kheria airport is situated 6km from the city centre. It is well connected with Delhi (204km-30 minutes flight) and major places in India.

Rail- Agra is a major railway Junction and has several railway stations and connects the city to major places in the north as well as the south. Agra Cantonment Railway station is the main terminal, located southwest of the city.

Road- Agra is well linked by bus services to other places in the State as well as outside the state and national highways 2,3 and 11 pass through the city. The state transports have deluxe as well as ordinary buses to Delhi (every hour), Jaipur (every half an hour), Lucknow, Gwalior, Jhansi etc from Idgah bus station. For local travel, taxis, tempos, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available.

BEST TIME TO VISIT : November to February