Agra (11) : The Red Fort of Agra...

Tuesday, 9th March 2010

The Agra Red Fort was designed and built by the Mughal Ruler, Akbar, in 1565 AD. It was initially a military establishment but at a later time various rulers added other buildings that include palaces and mosques. It is situated in Agra by the banks of the Jamuna River. It is known as the Red Fort because it is made of a red sandstone.

The fort encompasses an area with a radius measuring 3 km, bordered by a wall 70 feet tall. And it has 4 gates that lead into the fort complex. Today only a few of the many buildings in the fort still remain amongst them are :

The Jahangiri Mahal - a multi-storeyed palace built by Akbar for his Begum, Jodha Bai, who was a Hindu and was allowed to practise her Hindu religion despite being married to Akbar.

The Mausamman Burj - a tower with a marble balcony where Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb until his death. From this balcony, Shah Jehan had a good view of the Taj Mahal, the mausoleum he built in memory of his wife whom he loved so much.

Diwani-Am - the hall for public audience. This building was originally made of wood but later was made of white marble with inlaid designs, a characteristic predominant during Shah Jehan's reign.

Diwani-Khas - a hall where the Peacock Throne was once placed. The Peacock Throne was later taken to Iran.

the entrance gate to the Red Fort of Agra...

a section of the Jahangiri Palace where Hindu designs

are seen in the architecture...

the white marble wall, floor and ceiling

with inlaid designs....

Diwani-Khas ( where the Peacock Throne was once placed)

in front of it is the Macchi Bawa ( a fish enclosure)

which today is a well tended garden..

Diwani-Am ( hall for public audience)