Agra Fort

The construction of the Agra fort was started around 1565, when the initial structures were built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, and subsequently taken over by his grandson Shah Jahan, who added most of the marble creations to the fort. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river.

Outer Wall of Agra Fort

Agra Fort was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. The Agra fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Jahangiri Mahal

Jahangir Mahal, which is counted amongst the most popular tourist attractions in Agra was built by Akbar for his son, Jahangir, to serve as his private residence. However, the Rajput wives of Akbar used it as their principal zenana (a palace for women belonging to the royal household). It also served as the main residence of Nur Jahan, wife of Jahangir. It is also one of the first buildings to greet your eyes when you enter Agra Fort from Amar Singh Gate.

Walls of Jahangiri Mahal

Jahangir Mahal, one of the many attractions inside the Agra Fort, was built using a combination of Rajput and Islamic architectural styles. Constructed from white marble and red sandstone, it’s exteriors are adorned with incredible motifs which are common to both Hindu and Islamic structures. The surface ornamentation which includes marble inlay and curious geometric patterns are immensely eye pleasing.

Khas Mahal

Built entirely of marble by Shah Jahan in 1637, the Khas Mahal or the Private Palace demonstrates distinctive Islamic-Persian features. The enclosure has three pavilions overlooking the Yamuna, with a fountain opposite the central pavilion.

Shah Burj

It is said that during his final years of imprisonment, Shah Jahan would either read the Quran or gaze at his beloved wife’s memorial from the Shah Burj veranda. This little corner was the only solace in his last days. It is said that Shah Jahan kept on gazing at the Taj Mahal till his last breath.

Musamman Burj

The projecting tower to the east of the Khas Mahal is known as the Octagonal Tower which is another beautiful monument at the Agra Fort. It is an octagonal tower which is open at five sides and makes an excellent balcony for a view of the riverside and the Taj Mahal. It was originally made of red sandstone and used by emperors Akbar and Jahangir. Shah Jahan got it changed to white marble. Shah Jahan was deposed by his son Aurangzeb in 1658. Thereafter, he spent the last 8 years of his life here

Shah Burj

Shah Burj, a marble octagonal tower which stands in close proximity to Diwan-i-Khas, was built by Shah Jahan for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was here that Akbar first built a marble palace which was later destroyed by Jahangir. Finally, Shah Jahan built the Shah Burj at this site between the years 1630 and 1640 AD.

Khas Mahal

Flanked by the majestic Yamuna on one side and the Anguri Bagh on the other, Khas Mahal, also known as Aramgah-i-Muqaddar, was a private palace built by Shah Jahan for his daughters Roshnara and Jahanara. Construction of the Khas Mahal began in 1631 and was completed in 1640.

Khas Mahal

This is the King’s own palace, splendidly set in the Haram complex, consisting of open terraces; curtains; tanks; fountains and a water-fall, a beautiful indoor garden; and living apartments, dalans and courts – all around it. It was built by Shahjehan in place of Akbar’s redstone palace.

Khas Mahal

Aramgah or Khas Mahal is laid out in three receding levels; the main palace overlooking the river Yamuna in eastern side; open terraces; and the garden on the western side (Anguri Bagh) respectively.

Sheesh Mahal

Why is it called the Sheesh Mahal, or, the Palace of Mirrors? The reason is the wide use of mirrors both in its walls and ceilings. When illuminated, they would lend a sparkling effect to the entire palace

Sheesh Mahal

Sheesh Mahal is one of the most fabulous structures inside the Agra Fort. Located on the western side of the Musamman Burj (an octagonal tower lying in close proximity to Diwan-i-Khas), it is an incredibly beautiful sight to come across. This structure was one of the many additions made by Shah Jahan. Built between 1631-1640 AD, it also served as the imperial bath of the Emperor.

Khwaab-Gah (Royal Bedroom of Emperor Shah Jahan)

The white marble buildings were added by Shah Jahan, the grandson of Mughal Emperor Akbar and the one who built Taj Mahal for his beloved wife. These buildings were decorated with elaborate inlay work of precious and semi precious stone and mirrors. Small niches along all walls were used to light lamps. A rose-water fountain spread the faint aroma in the room for the king and queen to enjoy their married bliss. A courtyard outside the room was used for the performances by dancer girls.

Lavish hall in Khas Mahal

This long hall with painted walls and ceiling It is known as Tosh Khana (Robe Chamber) or Baithak (Sitting Room). There is a beautiful marble screen at the northern end of these rooms carved with a Scale of Justice (Mizan-i-Adl)

Inside Khas Mahal

Detail of Arc in Khas Mahal

Detail of Arc in Khas Mahal

Fountain in Khas Mahal

Rose water fountain in the bedroom of king

Marble Artwork in Khas Mahal

The use of inlaid stonework here is utterly spectacular, it’s hard to imagine just how long it must have taken to decorate these walls, although we know what we see today was accomplished within eight years.

Marble artwork in Khas Mahal

Khaas Mahal provides the most successful example of painting on a white marble surface. It also demonstrates distinctive Islamic-Persian art features

Marble artwork in Khas Mahal

Marble artwork in Khas Mahal

Marble artwork in Khas Mahal

Marble artwork in Khas Mahal

Gold artwork in Khas Mahal

The interiors of the palace are adorned with gold work and mural paintings, ornamental designs and floral designs decorating the walls. The pavilions of the Khas Mahal were constructed using red sandstone and coated with white shell plaster. They contained beautiful golden work and fresco paintings. The interiors of the palace are replete with geometric and floral patterns on the walls. Gold and blue, royal colours of that time have been used extensively and some traces of them are still visible

Diwan-i-Am

Diwan-I-Am or Hall of Public Audience was the place where the emperor addressed the public as well as the nobility. The emperor was Shah Jehan. Made in marble and inlaid with precious stones, was known as the Throne Room. This room was connected to the royal apartments and the royal ladies could watch the ceremonies of the Diwan-i-Am through the marble windows. Wonderful architecture and rich history.

Inside Diwan-i-Am

What makes Diwan-i-Aam one of the most famous tourist attractions is its royal appearance. One of the factors which contributes to that is the columns and ceilings, which are painted in gold. In the eastern part of the Hall of Audience, you come across a marble canopy. Situated just below it is the Emperor’s Throne. This chamber is called the Takht-e-Murassa, or, the Throne Room.

Wonderful arcs of Diwan-i-Am

'Takht-i-Murassa' (the Throne Room)

Made in marble, this 'jharokha' with a three-arched opening and inlaid with precious stones, was known as the 'Takht-i-Murassa' (the Throne Room). This chamber was connected to the royal apartments and the royal ladies could watch the ceremonials of the Diwan-i-Am through the marble windows with perforated screens on the right and left of the enperor's chamber, while not being seen by those in the hall.

Seat of the king overlooking Diwan-i-Am

Seat of the king overlooking Diwan-i-Am

Part of Agra Fort

Courtyard where Meena Bazar was put up

Jail from where Shah Jahan sees Taj at his last days

Corner room of Jail where Shah Jahan was imprisoned