the journey continues…

Agra fort which is a World Heritage Monument is located close to TajMahal. Also known as Red Fort, the fort has been constructed in 15th century using red sandstones .It was a home to great mughal kings Humayun,Akbar,Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.They lived and ruled the country from here.It seems that there were around 500 buildings inside the fort.Most of them were demolished during the period of British.Now there are only few buildings inside the fort.

The fort has a big gate called AmarSingh Gate which is the main entrance for visitors.From Amar Singh Gate you walk over a ramp and on the left hand side you can see Jahangir Mahal.Jahangir Mahal, a double storied building was built by Akbar for his son Jahangir.

Next important thing is Jodhbhai’s Temple.As Jodha belonged to Hindu Religion, Akbar constructed a temple for her inside the fort.The temple’s architecture is similar to the temples of SouthIndia.There is also a separate kitchen and dining hall for Jodha Bhai inside the fort.

A grapes garden inside where grapes were grown specially for making wine for the kings.

There is a big bazar place called Mina Bazar where Royal ladies used to do shopping for gold,silver ornaments.The guide said ShahJahan met Mumtaz Mahal in Mina Bazar for the first time!!.

Most of the red stone buildings were demolished by Jahangir and Shahjhan in their quest to make buildings using white marble.Shah Jahan has built white marble residents for his two daughters Jahan and Roshan inside the fort.The beauty and magnificence of both the residences has not yet been diminished.Below pictures shows Kunta Pille game squares on the marble.All the pillars of the these buildings are built in Persian style and precious stones are carved on them.You can also see photo frames carved on the walls.It seems that thousands of people came from Persia to India to do all these designs.

There are 3 masjids or praying halls inside.Mina masjid ,Moti Masjid and Nagina Masjid. All of them are constructed in white marble.Moti Masjid was built by Shahjahan for the people of royal court. Mina masjid is a small mosque built by the Mughal king Shah Jahan for his personal use.Nagina Masjid was built for the ladies of the Royal family.

There are 2 halls inside the fort for addressing people and for meetings.Diwan-E-Khas for official purpose
where the Mughal emperor received important dignitaries or foreign ambassadors.In front of this hall, there are two marble thrones one is white and the other in black.The black throne belongs to Jahangir who ordered it for himself from Persia.
Diwan-I-Aam for addressing public audience.Here you can see the famous Peacock Throne ordered by Shahjahan.

Shahajahan spent his last days in Agra Fort as he was house arrested by his son Aurangzeb.It is said the major reason for putting his father under house arrest was that Shah Jahan wanted to build one more Taj Mahal, using black marble for which Aurangzeb did not agree.ShahJahan died in Muasamman Burj, a tower with a marble balcony with an excellent view of the Taj Mahal.

The fort is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset.The best time to visit Agra is in winter- between November and March.Hindi movie Jodha Akbar starring Aishwarya and Hritik was shooted here.You can see Jodha’s temple,Peacock throne,Mina Bazar etc in the movie.
Agra fort is really a worth place to visit to view the marvelous architectural beauty in red sandstones and is a place not to be missed by historians and architects.
More photos on flickr.