Agra
Places of Interest in Agra
Agra Fort
Built
by the great Emperor Akbar in 1565 A.D. the fort Is a masterpiece of design
and construction. Within the fort are a number of exquisite buildings, including
the Moti Masjid, Diwane-E-Am, Diwani-E-Khaas and Musanman Burj, where the Emperor
Shah Jahan died in imprisonment beside Jahangirs place, Khaas Mahal and the
Sheesh Mahal.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.
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