Musamman Burj, Agra

Musamman Burj, or tower, is also called Saman Burj or the Shah Burj. It is situated close to Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s Diwan-e-Khas in Agra Fort. The octagon shaped tower was built by Shah Jahan as a tribute to his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in the seventeenth century.

From here, people could enjoy the spectacular views of the Taj Mahal. The multi-storeyed tower is decorated with several precious stones. The tower is inlaid with fine marble latticework and decorated niches from which the royal ladies could watch the activities outside in complete privacy. The roof of the hall is covered with a marble dome.

There is also a verandah around the hall and an exquisitely carved fountain in the center. Unfortunately, it became the abode of Shah Jahan and his daughter Jahanara Begum when they were imprisoned here by the emperor’s son Aurangzeb.