AGRA
FORT
The Fort in Agra is one of the earliest surviving Mughal buildings in the
city. Agra Fort also represents the first major building project of Emperor
Akbar, though remains of only a few buildings built by him now survive.
Built on an earlier castle site in AD 1565-75, apart from other important
units the massive fortress contains 'Jahangiri Mahal', 'Khass Mahal', 'Diwan-i-Khass',
'Diwan-i-Am', 'Machchhi Bhawan' and the breathtaking Moti Masjid or Pearl
Mosque. Many extant buildings were erected later on by Shah Jahan (AD
1630-55).
Irregularly triangular on plan, it is enclosed by a double battlemented
70-foot high wall of red sandstone, which is about 2-km in perimeter and
interrupted by graceful curves and lofty bastions. Of its four gates, the most
impressive is the Delhi Gate on the west.
Attractions Within The Fortress
Stone fortifications were used to replace the older brick foot. Many buildings
were constructed within the fort to which very few remain till date. But
enough remains to give the visitor a flavour of the past. What makes it more
interesting is the fact that one can easily trace here the architectural
styles of the three emperors who ruled from the Agra Fort.
One of the most significant buildings is the multi-storeyed Jahangiri Mahal
overlooking the river. Built by Akbar for his wife, Jodha Bai, the Mahal is
reached through an impressive gateway.
Later, Akbar's grandson Shahjahan dismant;led all the structures that Akbar
and Jahangir had built inside the fort and replaced them with white marble
pavilions covered with inlay work such as the Diwa-i-khas, the Mausam Burj,
the Shaha Burj. Away from the waterfront he built the Moti Masjid and
Diwan-i-Am.
