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Agra is best known for the famous Taj Mahal; one of the ' Seven Wonders of the World'. Little overshadowed by Taj Mahal is the Red Fort in Agra.
Agra Fort near Taj Mahal is nothing less than an architectural wonder. It was the creation and the stronghold of Mughals for a long time.
It is a UNESCO World Hertage Site and a historical monument in Agra. Originally, it was a brick fort called 'Badalgarh', built by Rajput ruler in 1475. But the fort was very small and it was improved after the invasion of Lodhi Dynasty.
Agra Fort has undergone significant changes in architecture under each ruler. The current fort was built by the Emperor Akbar and many alterations were done by his grandson Shah Jahan later on.
This astonishing fort has been under many rulers from Lodhi's, Mughals, Marathas and the British during colonial era. Red Fort was the result of thousands of builders who worked for 8 years to complete it.
Abdul Fazal, a court historian of Akbar's time, mentions that 500 buildings of different styles were built inside the Red Fort. Today only 30 buildings of Akbar's time remain in the fort.
Many were destroyed by Shah Jahan to construct marble palaces and buildings. Some were destroyed by British.
Let us go around the gigantic and picturesque Red Fort of Agra!
Delhi Gate
Delhi Gate was one of the grandest of 4 gates built during Akbar's time. Public are not allowed to use this gate as some parts of Agra Fort is used by the India Military.
Photo Courtesy: gangulybiswarup
Lahore Gate
It was originally called as Akbari Darwazza. Later was renamed as Amar Singh Gate by the British.
Photo Courtesy: AlMare
Diwan-i-am
Diwan-i-am was the hall of public audience; it was one of the earliest marble buildings built by Shah Jahan in the fort.
Photo Courtesy: Amaninder
Diwan-i-Khas
Diwan-i-Khas was used as the hall for special guests. Important affairs and meetings were held here.
Photo Courtesy: David Castor (dcastor)
Jahangiri Mahal
Jahangiri Mahal was built during 1565-1569, it is one of the beautiful and intricate buildings.
Photo Courtesy: Dcastor
Khas Mahal
Khas Mahal is a beautiful palace built by Shah Jahan for his two favourite daughters Jahanara and Roshanara.
Photo Courtesy: Antoine Taveneaux
Golden Pavilion
Golden Pavilion becomes the western front of Khas Mahal
Photo Courtesy: Biswarup Ganguly
Macchi Bhawan
Macchi Bhawan ( Fish Chamber) had many water tanks and fountains where they reared golden fish for the emperor. It is also believed to be a treasury where gold ornaments were kept.
Photo Courtesy: Diego Delso
Moti Masjid
Moti Masjid meaning Pearl Mosque; it was called so because it used to shine like a pearl.
Photo Courtesy: Darshanadakane
Nagina Masjid
Nagina Masjid is a mosque built using marble and it is near to Macchi Bhawan.
Photo Courtesy: China Crisis
Mina Bazaar
Mina Bazaar and Mina Masjid was built by Shah Jahan for the royal ladies in the fort.
Photo Courtesy: Akaushal.iitk
Musamman Burj
Aurangzeb had imprisoned his father Shah Jahan in Musamman Burj.
Photo Courtesy: Kuldeepsingh Mahawar
A View of Taj Mahal From the Fort
It is believed that Shah Jahan died in a building which was facing towards Taj Mahal; Taj Mahal was visible from the corridors of that building.
Photo Courtesy: Dennis Jarvis
