Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and better known as Red Fort of Agra is located on the bank of Yamuna River a Unesco world heritage now. Red Fort is an important monument representing Mughal architecture. It was a day trip for me from Delhi.
This ancient city of Agra has very interesting history. As per history Sikander Lodi was the first Sultan to make Agra as his second capital, Delhi being his first. After Sikander Lodhi’s death, his son Ibrahim Lodi lived in the fort till 1526. Ibrahim Lodhi lost his life in 1526 fighting in a battle against Mughals in Panipat. Mughal Emperor Akbar renovated this damaged old fort, also known as Badalgarh. Akbar gave it a new look with red sand stone and was completed in 8 years (1565 to 1573). Agra Fort contained the largest state treasury and mint.
Stretched in an area of about 2.5 km, the Agra Fort is built in a semi circular plan. It is surrounded by a double wall, made up of red sandstone and is 70 feet high. Four massive gates are built at the four sides of the fort. Delhi gate is the grandest of all and serves as the main entrance to get into the fort. It is also considered as a masterpiece built in Akbar’s reign and is designed with intricate inlay work in white marble. The second gate is known as Akbar Darwaza or Amar Singh Gate. Visitors are allowed to enter the fort through Akbar Gate. Next are the Water Gate and the Khijri Gate, which face the river. These two gates are kept closed.
Within the fort premises, several splendid palaces and majestic monuments were constructed during the Mughal period. These beautiful buildings depict a perfect blend of mughal architecture and style.
The most important building inside the fort is the Jahangiri Mahal which was made by Akbar for his son Jahangir. The inner courtyard of this palace is skillfully designed with beautiful stone carvings of flowers, animals and cross beams. The Khas Mahal is built with white marble and is designed exquisitely with several marble paintings. Overlooking Anguri Bagh, the beauty of the palace is enhanced by two golden pavilions made with white marble and red sandstone. Left to it is the Musamman Burj, built by Shah Jahan. This Octagonal Tower contains inlaid designs with precious stones and its balcony offers an overwhelming view of the Taj Mahal, It said the balcony of Musamman Burj was from where Shah Jahan saw Taj Mahal for the last time before his death.
There was Diwan-i-Aam, a hall for public audience and Diwan-i-Khas, a hall for private audience during the mughal rule. Opposite to Musamman Burj is the Sheesh Mahal, the royal dressing room designed beautifully with fine, small mirrors on the walls. 
Several mosques were built inside the fort. The most famous are the Mina Masjid, which was used by the emperor and his wives for offering prayers; the Pearl Mosque or Moti Masjid, which was used by the members of the royal court. Moti Masjid is renowned for its elegant interiors designed with pearly white marble.
The Sign of the Four, a Sherlock Holmes series has Agra fort playing a key role in its mystery story. At the end of my Agra tour I was amazed at the architect and designing of the fort done centuries ago without any modern tools.
India and International Holiday Packages
Trackbacks /
Pingbacks