Agra Fort in Agra

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Location:

Agra Fort is located in Agra, India. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its much more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The massiveness of the fort is like a huge palatial city.

Agra Fort in Agra



Significance:

Being one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites it is considered as the most important fort in India. The great Mughals: Babur, Humayun, Jahangir, Akbar, Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan lived here. It contained the largest state treasury. It is famous for its eexquisite architecture in red sandstone

Agra Fort -Its Past:

This was originally a brick fort. The fort was mentioned for the first time in the history in 1080 AD when a Ghaznavide force captured it. Sikandar Lodi (1487-1517) was the first Sultan of Delhi who shifted to Agra and lived in the fort. He governed the country from here and Agra attained the importance of the second capital. He died in the fort in 1517 subsequent to which his son, Ibrahim Lodi held it for nine years until he was defeated and killed at Panipat in 1526. Several palaces, wells and mosques were built by him in the fort during his period.

Mughals captured the fort after the war at Panipat. A vast treasure includes a diamond that was later named as the Koh-i-Nor diamond which was later on seized. Babur stayed in the fort in the palace of Ibrahim and built a baoli (step well) in it. Humayun was crowned here in 1530. Humayun was defeated in Bilgram in 1530. Sher Shah held the fort for five years. The Mughals defeated the Afghans finally at Panipat in 1556.

Akbar declared it as his capital and arrived at Agra in 1558. His historian, Abdul Fazal, recorded in the history of Mughul period that this was a brick fort known as 'Badalgarh'. It was in a dilapidated condition and Akbar made it rebuilt with shining red sandstone. 1,444,000 builders worked on the architectural style of the fort for eight years and completed the colossal building in 1573.

During the reign of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan the beautiful Taj Mahal was built for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan destroyed some of the earlier buildings inside the fort in order to make his own set of buildings

Towards the end of his life, Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son, Aurangzeb, in the fort. According to the historical facts, Shah Jahan died in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony possessing an excellent view of the Taj Mahal.

Inside Agra Fort


Inside Agra Fort


It is Famous For:

Agra Fort is mainly famous for few reasons that have been mentioned below:
  • Red Fort Portrays a Magical Significance in Red:

    Built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the royal quarters of Agra, this massive fort sprouts from the heart of the city. Roaming around the red ramparts one will see a number of exquisite buildings, which are now an eminent member of the world heritage site list.

  • Abode for the Mughal Family:

    The massive complex of Red Fort is famous for its impressive architectural styles; a rare amalgamation of the aesthetic sensibilities of three different Mughal kings: Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan who contributed immensely in the fortification. Jehangir Mahal Palatial , was built by Akbar as a residence for his son Jehangir. The palace is the largest private residence in the fort, a merger of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles.

  • The Former Treasure Love:

    Tajmahal, one of the wonders of World signifies the immortal love of Mughal king Shahjahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience, made in chaste white marbles still reflects with the bygone glory of the Mughals. During that era, the royal women could watch the court without being seen by others from the pavilion through exquisitely carved jali (lattice) screens.

Some other Important Sites and structures within Agra:

  • Jahangiri Mahal - Akbar built it for his son Jehangir.
  • Khas Mahal - one of the best examples of painting on white marble.
  • Anguri Bagh - 85 square, geometrically arranged gardens.
  • Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) - was used to speak to the people and listen to petitioners. It housed the Peacock Throne.
  • Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) - was used to receive kings and dignitaries. This building featured the black throne of Jehangir.
  • Golden Pavilions - these were beautiful pavilions with roofs shaped like the roofs of Bengali huts.
  • Macchi Bhawan (Fish Enclosure) - grand enclosure for harem functions, once had pools and fountains.
  • Mina Masjid (Heavenly Mosque) - a tiny mosque which was closed to the public.
  • Pearl Mosque - a private mosque of Shah Jahan.
  • Musamman Burj - a large tower shaped in an octagonal design with a balcony facing the Taj Mahal.
  • Nagina Masjid (Gem Mosque) - mosque designed for the ladies of the court.
  • Zenana Mina Bazaar (Ladies Bazaar) - right next to the balcony, only female merchants sold wares.
  • Naubat Khana (Drum House) - a place where the king's musicians played to soothe the ears of the tired King.
  • Rang Mahal - king's wives and mistresses used to live here and perform their daily activities.
  • Shahi Burj - this was Shah Jahan's private work area.
  • Shah Jahani Mahal - Shah Jahan's first attempt at modification of the red sandstone palace.
  • Sheesh Mahal (Glass Palace) or Shish Mahal - royal dressing room featuring tiny mirror-like glass-mosaic decorations on the walls.
How to Reach

Agra is well connected with Indian Airlines. The airport in Kheria is about 6 km from downtown and tourists can get multiple plying options to reach their desired destination. Agra being an important centre of the Central Railways is well connected to all parts of the country. The two fastest super-fast trains are: Shatabdi Express (journey time 2 hours) and Taj Express (2.5 hours). Driving on NH 2 from Delhi is a pleasurable experience to feel the aroma of Mughul era. The 200 km distance from Delhi can be easily covered in less than four hours. The fort is open daily from 6 am to 5.30 pm.

As far as the entry fees is concerned, citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar), are suppose to pay Rs. 10 per head.

Others: US $ 5 or Indian Rs. 250/- per head (ASI)
(children up to 15 years have free entry).