Agra Fort
Golden Pavilions
The
curved chala roofs of the small pavilions made by the Khaas Mahal are blessed
on the roof shape of Bengali village huts constructed out of curved bamboo,
designed to keep of heavy rains. The shape was first expressed in stone by the
Sultans of bengal. Originally gilded, these were probably ladies' bedrooms with
hiding places for jewelry in the walls. These pavilions are traditionally associated
with Shah Jahan's daughters - Roshara and Jahanara Begum.
Khaas Mahal
Situated
in between the golden pavilions is the Khaas Mahal. Built entirely of marble
by Shah Jahan, the palace demonstrates distinctive Islamic-Persian features.
These are well blended with a striking range of Hindu features such as chhatries.
It is considered to be emperor's sleeping room or 'Aramgah'. The Khaas Mahal
provides the most successful example of painting on a white marble surface.
Musamman Burj
On the left of the Khaas Mahal id the Musamman Burj built by Shah Jahan. It
is a beautiful octagonal tower with an open pavilion. With its openness, elevation
and the benefit of cool evening breezes blowing in off the Yamuna River, this
could well have been used also as the emperor's bedroom. This is where Shah
Jahan lay on his death bed, gazing at the Taj. Access to this tower is through
a magnificently decorated and intimate apartment with the scalloped fountain
in the centre. The inlay work here is exquisite, especially above the pillars.
In front of the fountain is a sunken courtyard which could be flooded and in
the Sheesh Mahal opposite are further examples of decorative water engineering
in the hammams.
Sheesh Mahal
Opposite
to the Musamman Burj and just below the Diwan-I-Khaas hall is the Sheesh Mahal
or the Glass Palace. It is believed to have been the harem dressing room and
its walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors which are the best specimens of the glass-mosaic
decoration in ndia. The Sheesh Mahal is composed of two large halls of equal
size, each measuring 11.15m X 6.40m. Both are connected in the centre by a broad
arched opening and on the sides by two narrow passages.
Diwan-i-Khaas
To the right of Sheesh Mahal is Diwan-I-Khaas, the hall of Private Audience.
Presently entry is not allowed inside Diwan-I-Khaas but the fine proportions
of the building can easily be appreciated. The marble pillars are inlaid with
semi-precious stones in delightful floral patterns.
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AGRA FORT
AGRA - THE CITY OF TAJ MAHAL
