Agra Fort
The
construction of the Agra fort was started around 1565 when the initial structures
were built by Akbar. Shah Jahan replaced most of these with his marble creations.
Some however survived, among them are - Delhi Gate., Amar Singh Gate, Akbari
Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the
east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It has a total perimeter
of 2.4 km, and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated
at regular intervals by bastions. A 9 mt. Wide and 10 mt. Deep moat surrounds
the outer wall. An imposing 22 mt. High inner wall imparts a feeling of invincible
defensive construction. The route through the Amar Singh Gate is dog-legged.
The layout of the fort was determined by the course of the river, which in those
days flowed alongside. The main axis is parallel to the river and the walls
bridge out towards the city.
Gateways
The fort had originally four gates, two of which were later walled up. Delhi
gate in the west is fortified by massive octagonal towers and faces the bazaar
and leads to the Jama Masjid in the city. Its architectural plan was imperviously
devised to put the defenders in an advantageous position. Delhi gate is now
closed for visitors.
The Amar Singh Gate lies to the South and is defended by a square bastion flanked
by round towers. It had a crooked entrance with dangerous trap points and a
steep rise. Its Naubat Khana Court with pillared pavilions is an impressive
structure. Visitors are allowed entry through this gate only.
Buildings
inside the fort
Jehangir Mahal
This
is the first notable building that the visitor sees on his right hand side at
the end of a spacious lawn, as one enters through the Amar Singh Gate and emerges
out of the passage. It was built by Akbar as women's quarters and is the only
building that survives among his original palace buildings. It is built of stone
and is simply decorated on the exterior. The most important feature of the edifice
are its ornamental stone brackets which support the beams. In front is a large
stone bowl which we probably used to contain fragrant rose water. Ornamental
Persian verses have been carved along the outer rim, which record its construction
by Jehangir in 1611 AD.
Jodha Bai's Palace
To the right of Jehangir Mahal is Akbar's favourite queen Jodha Bai's Palace.
In contrast to other palaces ,it is rather simple. Through the slits in the
wall one can see the Taj.
Anguri Bagh
These formal, 85 m square, geometric gardens lie to the left of the fort. During
Shah Jahan's time the beauty of the gardens was considerably enhanced by decorative
flower beds.
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AGRA - THE CITY OF TAJ MAHAL
