| 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. |
