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Agra Fort
The
construction of the Agra fort was started around 1565 when the initial structures
were built by Akbar. Shah Jahan replaced most of these with his marble creations.
Some however survived, among them are - Delhi Gate., Amar Singh Gate, Akbari
Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the
east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It has a total perimeter
of 2.4 km, and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated
at regular intervals by bastions. A 9 mt. Wide and 10 mt. Deep moat surrounds
the outer wall. An imposing 22 mt. High inner wall imparts a feeling of invincible
defensive construction. The route through the Amar Singh Gate is dog-legged.
The layout of the fort was determined by the course of the river, which in those
days flowed alongside. The main axis is parallel to the river and the walls
bridge out towards the city.
Gateways
The fort had originally four gates, two of which were later walled up. Delhi
gate in the west is fortified by massive octagonal towers and faces the bazaar
and leads to the Jama Masjid in the city. Its architectural plan was imperviously
devised to put the defenders in an advantageous position. Delhi gate is now
closed for visitors.
The Amar Singh Gate lies to the South and is defended by a square bastion flanked
by round towers. It had a crooked entrance with dangerous trap points and a
steep rise. Its Naubat Khana Court with pillared pavilions is an impressive
structure. Visitors are allowed entry through this gate only.
Buildings
inside the fort
Jehangir Mahal
This
is the first notable building that the visitor sees on his right hand side at
the end of a spacious lawn, as one enters through the Amar Singh Gate and emerges
out of the passage. It was built by Akbar as women's quarters and is the only
building that survives among his original palace buildings. It is built of stone
and is simply decorated on the exterior. The most important feature of the edifice
are its ornamental stone brackets which support the beams. In front is a large
stone bowl which we probably used to contain fragrant rose water. Ornamental
Persian verses have been carved along the outer rim, which record its construction
by Jehangir in 1611 AD.
Jodha Bai's Palace
To the right of Jehangir Mahal is Akbar's favourite queen Jodha Bai's Palace.
In contrast to other palaces ,it is rather simple. Through the slits in the
wall one can see the Taj.
Anguri Bagh
These formal, 85 m square, geometric gardens lie to the left of the fort. During
Shah Jahan's time the beauty of the gardens was considerably enhanced by decorative
flower beds.
Golden Pavilions
The curved chala roofs of the small pavilions made by the Khaas Mahal are blessed
on the roof shape of Bengali village huts constructed out of curved bamboo,
designed to keep of heavy rains. The shape was first expressed in stone by the
Sultans of bengal. Originally gilded, these were probably ladies' bedrooms with
hiding places for jewelry in the walls. These pavilions are traditionally associated
with Shah Jahan's daughters - Roshara and Jahanara Begum.
Khaas Mahal
Situated in between the golden pavilions is the Khaas Mahal. Built entirely
of marble by Shah Jahan, the palace demonstrates distinctive Islamic-Persian
features. These are well blended with a striking range of Hindu features such
as chhatries. It is considered to be emperor's sleeping room or 'Aramgah'. The
Khaas Mahal provides the most successful example of painting on a white marble
surface.
Musamman Burj
On the left of the Khaas Mahal id the Musamman Burj built by Shah Jahan. It
is a beautiful octagonal tower with an open pavilion. With its openness, elevation
and the benefit of cool evening breezes blowing in off the Yamuna River, this
could well have been used also as the emperor's bedroom. This is where Shah
Jahan lay on his death bed, gazing at the Taj. Access to this tower is through
a magnificently decorated and intimate apartment with the scalloped fountain
in the centre. The inlay work here is exquisite, especially above the pillars.
In front of the fountain is a sunken courtyard which could be flooded and in
the Sheesh Mahal opposite are further examples of decorative water engineering
in the hammams.
Sheesh
Mahal
Opposite to the Musamman Burj and just below the Diwan-I-Khaas hall is the Sheesh
Mahal or the Glass Palace. It is believed to have been the harem dressing room
and its walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors which are the best specimens of the
glass-mosaic decoration in ndia. The Sheesh Mahal is composed of two large halls
of equal size, each measuring 11.15m X 6.40m. Both are connected in the centre
by a broad arched opening and on the sides by two narrow passages.
Diwan-i-Khaas
To the right of Sheesh Mahal is Diwan-I-Khaas, the hall of Private Audience.
Presently entry is not allowed inside Diwan-I-Khaas but the fine proportions
of the building can easily be appreciated. The marble pillars are inlaid with
semi-precious stones in delightful floral patterns.
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