Red Fort, Agra

"Why is history not made as interesting as this, in school?", this is what I asked my hubby, while our guide was taking through the tour of Agra Fort.

After watching bollywood movie Jodha Akbar so many times, I was very much fascinated with history of Agra and Akbar's rule. A visit to Agra Fort was long awaited by me.
Akbar the Great: Akbar was an efficient administrator. Though he was not educated, he took every step to keep his royal court with ablest and most efficient people. His ministry included both Muslim and Hindu ministers. With the help of his nine ministers, who were called 'Nine Gems', he established great administrative system in India and proved himself to be the ablest king. He established matrimonial relationship with neighboring Rajput state. He married Rajput princess Jodha Bai, who was  from the ruling family of Rajasthan.

 

Construction of the Fort: Constructed by Akbar the Great, Agra Fort got remodeled by three of Akbar's successors Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb to get its present structure. So the vast structure has various tastes and natures of the Mughal rulers.

The Fort which is situated in the right bank of Yamuna, is built of red sand stone. The fort was constructed in the place of Badalgarh fort, a strong foothold of Rajput rulers. Only less than half of the Fort is open to the public and rest is under the control of Defence (Agra Cantonment). Surrounding the fort are two big ditches. One of the ditch used to have crocodiles and the other wild animals, creating barrior against invasion.

The main gate open for the public entry is the Amar Singh Gate. Built by Shah Jahan, this gate gets its name after Amar Singh Rathore, Maharaja of Jodhpur. It’s said that, after been insulted by imperial treasurer Salabat Khan in court of Emperor Shah Jahan, Amar Singh slew Salabat Khan. While escaping from the court, riding on his horse back, he jumped the high walls of the fort, a gate was built at that place and a red sandstone horse was built in the memory of the horse.

Fort Tour: As we enter the gate there is the ticket counter to the left. After buying our tickets, our guide took us through the tour of the fort. The entrance has three consecutive gates, each constructed in such a way that, the next gate is visible only after crossing the first. Hence, the invaders had no clue of the next gate till they had control of the first. After crossing the third gate, there is a pass by, with tall walls on both the sides. The flooring of the pass by has bumpy structure. In case of an invasion, the movement of enemy horses through the pass way would be echoed through the walls hence alerting the ruler with the invasion. Boiling water followed by boiling oil would be sprayed on the enemies.

The Fort structure starts with Jahangir's Palace. The palace includes, a bed room, dining hall, Jodha Bai's Krishna temple and Jahangir's study room. Akbar, who was not educated, gave very much importance to the education of his son Jahangir. This palace is known for its blend of Hindu architecture.

Jahangir's Palace

Jahangir's Palace

Jahangir's Palace

Krishna Temple in Jahangir's Palace

Next is the Sheesh Mahal. Built with white marble, it is said to be built by Shah Jahan, grand son of Akbar and son of Jahangir. This was used as a dressing room by the ladies of royal family. The wall is laid with beautiful small mirrors. It consists of two halls and two tanks, one for hot water and other for cold water. In the twilight of small lamps, the mirrors reflect the light, giving it a heavenly feel.

Sheesh Mahal

After the Sheesh Mahal is the Khas Mahal, a beautiful white marble structure. It was used as drawing and bed room by Shah Jahan, on either side of the structure are pavilions of Shah Jahan's two daughters Jahan Ara Begum and Roshan Ara Begum. Which are replica of each other.

Khas Mahal

Jahan Ara Begum's room

Samman Burj or Octagonal tower, next to Sheesh Mahal, was built by Jahangir for his Empress Noor Jahan. Later remodelled by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal. It has beautiful architecture laid with semi precious stones. Its said, this was the place where Shah Jahan was kept imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb. Though Taj Mahal can be viewed from most part of the Fort, this gives a very clear view. Shah Jahan spent his last days of life, watching Taj Mahal from here.

Samman Burj

View of Taj Mahal

Diwan-I-Khas, the place where Royal Durbars or meetings were held, is said to be built by Shah Jahan in 1637AD. It’s a marble structure, inlaid with semi precious stones and coloured flowers.

Meena Bazaar is a red stone building, built by Akbar, which was a market place for selling valuable goods. The market place for specific to ladies only, except for Emperor himself. The entry is allowed just to the first floor of Meena Bazaar.

Meena Bazaar

The stairs from the Meena Bazaar, takes you out to the Diwan-I-Aam. A hall for Public audience. This was initially built by Akbar with red stone and later remodelled by Shah Jahan with marble. The throne too is said to be built by Shah Jahan.

Throne at Diwan-I-Aam

Diwan-I-Aam

From the Diwan-I-Aam you are back to the garden at the entrance of the Jahangir's Palace, and then out from Amar Singh Gate. The Fort stands as a proof of the cultural and architectural glory, during the reign of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.

Travel info:

Entry fee:

Rs. 20/adult(Indian tourist)

Rs. 300/adult(Foreign tourist)

Entry free for kids below 15years, tickets can be bought at the ticket counter at the Fort only. Fort is open on all days from sunrise to sunset.

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