Agra Fort
¤ A Red Sand Stone Edifice
 The
Taj is just the appetiser in the architectural smorgasbord that Agra
has to offer. On the bend of the River Yamuna, lies the
crimson-coloured Agra Fort, in the heart of the city.
Approachable by two imposing portals to its west and south, the
citadel was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between the years 1565
and 1573.
Encircled by a moat, the red sandstone monument was the residence of
three emperors – Akbar, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb, each of whom
made significant structural contributions to the complex.
¤ Fort Attractions
of the conspicuous edificesinside the fort, a special mention should
be made of the Jahangiri Mahal, the Khas Mahal (Private Place) with
its sprawling vineyard called Anguri Bagh, and an ornamental bath
housed inside the palace of mirrors or Sheesh Mahal.
The Sheesh Mahal formed another delicate element in the zenana or
women’s quarters in the palace.
The Musamman Burj was where Aurangzeb incarcerated his father, Shah
Jahan – the doting husband spent the last years of his life
gazing fondly at the Taj Mahal (the tombstone of his wife Mumtaz
Mahal).
His daughter Jahanara kept him company, as did his fabulous
collection of jewels. The Diwani-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) and
Diwani-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) was where the emperor held
forth on important matters of state, while seated on the splendid
Peacock Throne.
¤ The Charm of The Royal Bazaar Inside The Fort
As you ascend the steps of the Diwani-i-Am, you come to the intimate
Nagina Masjid or Gem Mosque, and just a stone’s throw away lies
the Ladies Bazaar.
The mart gets its name from the practice of allowing pavement
hucksters to show off their wares to Muslim noblewomen who were
enchanted as much by their innovative sales spiel, as by the silks and
other finery on display.
and finally, the Agra Fort houses the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque
that was once the private chapel of the Mughal Emperors. The Moti
Masjid is to Agra Fort what St. George’s Chapel is to Windsor
Castle. The mosque is well named – it is as ineffably white today
as it was when Shah Jahan built it in 1654. |
