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 The Agra Fort also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra is the most important fort in India. The fort was originally built by Akbar between the year 1565 and 1573 but additions were made by other Mughal rulers. The 94-acre fort has a semicircular plan and has walls seventy feet high. The layout of the fort was determined by the course of the river Yamuna, which in those days flowed alongside. Stretching for almost 2.5 km, the main axis is parallel to the river and the walls bridge out towards the city.
Architecture & Design:
Most of the buildings within Agra Fort are a mixture of different architectural styles, the integration of which has given it a unique look. The fort worked both as a military strategic point as well as the royal residence. The monument is an evidence of India’s rich Mughal era.
It originally had four gates, two of which were later walled up. The two notable gates are - the ‘Delhi Gate’ and the ‘Lahore Gate’.
Delhi Gate: The Delhi Gate is located at the west of the fort. It was built around 1568 both to enhance security and as the king's formal gate. This was the main entrance to the fort. It is considered the grandest of the four gates and truly a masterpiece.
Amar Singh Gate: The gate was originally tiled. Although the colourful tile has been lost, the inlay patterns remain in the stone into which they were set.
Akbari Gate: It is the final gate which guards the south entrance to the fort. Built of red sandstone the gate pierces the fort's massive inner wall between two protective towers.
Jahangiri Mahal: This palace got its name from Jahangir but was built by Akbar sometime between 1560 and 1580. It is built of stone and is simply decorated on the exterior.
Diwan-e-Khaas: It was built in 1635 and was used to receive heads of state, ambassadors and other diplomatic visitors to the Mughal court.
Diwan-e-Aam: Built by Shah Jahan in 1628, it was used for durbars, formal receptions in which the emperor would conduct state business. It also used to house the famous Peacock Throne, which was taken to the Red Fort when Shah Jahan moved his capital to Delhi.
Khaas Mahal: It was built by Shah Jahan. Built entirely of marble it demonstrates distinctive Islamic-Persian features, well blended with a striking range of Hindu features. It was the emperor's sleeping room or 'Aramgrah'.
Sheesh Mahal: Also known as the Glass Palace, it is the finest example of decorative water engineering in the hammams. It is believed to have been the harem or the dressing room and had mirrored walls, which reflected and enhanced the lamplight. It was basically used by the women for bathing.
Musamman Burj: It is an octagonal tower within the fort and is considered the most attractive pavilion wherein lived the two most beautiful and powerful Mughal queens - Nurjahan and Mumtaz Mahal. This is also where Aurangzeb incarcerated his father, Shah Jahan who spent the last few years of his life gazing at the Taj Mahal.
Nagina Masjid: Built by Shah Jahan, it was the private mosque of the ladies of the court.
Moti Masjid: Popularly known as the Pearl Mosque, it was once the private chapel of the Mughal Emperors. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. Near Moti Masjid is Mina Masjid, which was constructed by Shah Jahan strictly for his private use.
A majority of the fort is now under the use of Indian Army. In 1983 Agra Fort was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The south eastern quarter of the monument where most of the palaces are located is open to visitors.
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