Location - Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Best Time To Visit - November to February
It is not only we, who feel proud but even generations to come will sure
sort boast of the vast rich cultural and historical heritage that India
shines in. Every nook and corner one finds a tinge of history. The
monuments, palaces, temples, places are all enveloped by some kind of
attractive appeal. Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Agra Fort is one such
monument that speaks of India's glorious past. It is famous by various other
names like Lal Quila, Red Fort of Agra and Fort Rouge.
It is about 2 km away from the white marble wonder Taj Mahal. The
construction of this cenotaph was commenced by the great Mughal King Akbar.
However, certain art of perfection to this fort was added by his son Shah
Jahan. The peak of Mughal architectural traditions can seen at Agra Fort.
Agra Fort was built between 1565 and 1571 AD. The fort has a height of 69
feet.
One can find a maze of buildings inside the Agra Fort complex. The many
splendid mosques and palaces of Agra Fort focusses on the creativity
geniuses of the builders of Mughal era.
Main Attractions
Jehangiri Mahal - Inside the fort complex lies the
architectural glory, Jehangiri Mahal. This palace was built by Akbar as a
residence for his son Jehangir. The palace follows Hindu and Central Asian
architectural styles. Beautiful halls, intricate carvings on stone, heavy
Gujarathi brackets exquisitely carved with animal and floral motifs, piers
and other gilded decorations adorn the palace. This is said to be the most
important building of the Akbari Period in the Agra Fort. To the right of
Jahangiri Mahal is a simple palace of Akbar's favourite queen Jodha Bai.
Khas Mahal - The Khas Mahal Palace or the Private
Palace is exclusively made of white marble by Shah Jahan in 1637. The Mahal
entirely follows a distinctive Islmic-Persian features. The enclosure has
three pavilions overlooking the Yamuna, with a fountain opposite the central
pavilion.
Musamman Burj- The Musamman Burj is an Octagonal
structure built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is made
of delicate marble lattices with ornamental niches for the ladies of the
court to gaze out, without being noticed. In Musamman Burj Shah Jahan spent
hie last few years of his life where he was under the captivity of his own
son. In his last years he continued gazing at the Taj Mahal.
Sheesh Mahal- Opposite to the Mussaman Burj lies the
massive structure of Sheesh Mahal or the Glass Palace. It used to be a
dressing room of the royals. The walls are inlaid with tiny sparkling
mirrors. It was one of the best specimens of glass-mosaic decoration in
India.
Diwani-i-Khas- Diwan-i-Khas or hall of private
audience was constructed by Shah Jahan in 1636-37. It was used to receive
kings, dignitaries and ambassadors. It is a three sided pavilion with a
terrace of fine proportions. These days entry is restricted in Diwan -i -
Khas.
Diwan -i -Am - Diwan -i -Am (hall of public audience
) holds prime importance because here was kept the precious and glorious
Peacock throne ordered by Shah Jehan.
Feather To The Cap
Agra Fort was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1983.
It is one of the most sought after tourist spots in India. The Agra Fort was
featured in the music video for Habibi Da, a hit song of the Egyptian pop
star Hisham Abbas. The Delhi Gate of Agra Fort is considered to be the
grades gates, however it is not opened for public entrance.
